2008-2009 Indiana College Guidebook - (Page 6) Everybody Should Apply to at Least One Independent College How Do You “Get It Right” and Find the Best College Fit? As you are getting ready to make one of the most important decisions of your life, you should keep your options open so that you make the best choice possible for your future. For this reason, you’ll need to do your homework. You also should definitely plan to apply to at least one of the colleges or universities in this directory because you will never know if you can be admitted or receive sufficient financial aid unless you apply. Colleges are as different as the students they serve. Evaluate your “personal fit” with each institution you’re considering and decide what is the best match for your interests. Before doing that, though, carefully consider your own strengths, needs, and preferences. For instance: • Do you already know what field you want to study? If not, don’t worry. There’s plenty of time to choose a major, and there’s a lot to explore before deciding. • Would you prefer a large, comprehensive university or a smaller, liberal arts college? An urban, suburban, or rural setting? • Is it important to find a college that supports your religious faith? Many independent colleges are affiliated with a specific denomination. Others are non-denominational, while some have no religious orientation. • How far away from home do you want to be? • Are you interested in joining a fraternity or sorority? • Would you like opportunities for volunteering or community service? • Do you want to play certain sports at the collegiate level or join musical groups? More AdvAnced degrees. Graduates of ICI member institutions are more likely than graduates of other sectors to complete post-baccalaureate degrees. Graduate Degree Completion Graduate degree Some graduate school Indiana Independent Colleges’ Alumni 38% 12% Indiana’s State Universities’ Alumni 23% 7% National Independent Colleges’ Alumni 33% 8% National State Universities’ Alumni 28% 7% Source: “Comparative Alumni Study,” conducted for ICI by Hardwick-Day, 2003. 6 For more information: www.indianacollegechoices.org http://www.indianacollegechoices.org
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