Private Colleges

Private Colleges Presented by Wendy Biggs and Scott Lilly

Sound familiar? I just want my child to go to a “good” college. What is the best college for (insert major here)? You’re not going to a school with a direction in its name. I’ve never heard of that school, so it can’t be any good. We can’t afford private schools My boss’s niece’s best friend’s cousin went there and she said it was a good (or bad) school.

College or University Why are some schools called “college” and others referred to as a “university”? Colleges of… Business Media Education Engineering General Studies Fine and Applied Arts Applied Health Sciences Liberal Arts and Sciences Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences Universities are comprised of a group of colleges.

One of these things isnot like the others Though all have similar names, which of the following schools has a very different philosophy from its counterparts on the religious component to its educational requirements? Illinois Wesleyan Iowa Wesleyan Indiana Wesleyan Ohio Wesleyan A) Though originally founded in the Wesleyan tradition, Illinois Wesleyan has moved away from its religious roots and adopted a more general Liberal Arts curriculum.

So you say you are lookingfor a unique experience… Colorado College (not University of…) and Cornell College (also, not University) are the only two institutions that require that you do this when choosing your classes? Answer: Only pick one According to Cornell students, “You can do anything for 18 days!

Private Schools Most Often Applied to by wheaton North Students Marquette University Taylor University DePaul University Wheaton College North Central College Carthage College Augustana College Bradley University Loyola University Butler University Northwestern University Hope College Indiana Wesleyan University Illinois Wesleyan University Elmhurst College Calvin College Washington University (St. Louis) North Park University University of Chicago Lewis University

Applications The Holistic approach… • Not just a mathematical equation, but still starts with strength of schedule, GPA, and ACT (but not always) • Essays • Resum of activities, involvements, and work experiences • Letters of recommendation • Interviews • Visits • Demonstrated interest • Legacy **REMEMBER** Colleges are looking for ways to get students IN, not keep them OUT

Colleges range in size from 20 students to 50,000 students. Big difference between attending a small school (under 3,000) usually referred to as a college. And attending a large school (3,000-50,000) usually referred to as a university. Size ‹2500 Augustana College North Central College Illinois Wesleyan U North Park University Knox College Monmouth College Beloit College Lawrence University 2500-7500 Bradley University Butler University Creighton University Drake University Millikin University Carthage College ›7500 Marquette University Depaul University Northewestern University Loyola University University of Chicago Washington University (St. Louis)

Small schools offer… More personal involvement Community atmosphere (including faculty) Smaller classes (from 5-50 students) Faculty focused on teaching undergraduates, not conducting research Direct instruction by faculty, not graduate students Usually a higher price tag. *Do not discount small schoolsbecause of price when conducting your initial search. Finding the right pair of pantsWhat size is right for you? Large schools offer… • Class sizes anywhere from 20-350 students • Tend to be more impersonal • Allow more anonymity and learning of independent living skills • Tend to be less expensive • Offer the “college experience” • Carry a bigger name

The Liberal Arts college • Focuses on creating a “well-rounded” student • Broad education – study literature, languages, and the natural and social sciences • Requires a more complex list of general education requirements which may include religious study • Smaller number of requirements in each major with a lot of overlap allows for multiple majors and/or minors • Unique schedule of academic terms (trimesters with J-terms, etc.) • Higher rates for admission to graduate and professional school programs • What do you want your student to be able to do when s/he graduates? • Get a job in a specific field • Have a diverse array of options including going on to graduate school

Christian Colleges • CCCU – Council for Christian Colleges and Universities • College fair at Calvary Church in Naperville offered every October • What does “Christian” mean on campus? • Class requirements • Chapel attendance • Pledge or code of conduct

Selective Colleges in the Midwest • “Selective” Colleges… • require elite credentials and may only admit 20-30% of their applicants. • ACT Averages are typically in the 28-32 range • Have the highest placement rates for graduate school • Merit scholarships are typically not available • Recommend that students take the most rigorous coursework available to them while in high school Knox College Grinnell College Carleton College Hillsdale College McAllister College Notre Dame University Lawrence University Northwestern University Kenyon College University of Chicago Washington University Illinois Institute of Technology Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Understanding YOUr ValuesWhy are we sending our son/daughter to college? Go live anywhere but here! Get a good job when s/he graduates Become an educated and well-rounded person Get into graduate or professional school Develop independence “The college experience” (however you define that is up to you)

Family How far from home is too far (or too close)? What is our backup plan if the financial aid does not work out the way we had hoped? What do we get for the extra cost of a private or out of state school, and is it worth it? Final considerations Student Will I feel closed in and trapped at a small school, or will I feel lost and overwhelmed at a large school? Parent Is my student ready to “go away” to college (academically, emotionally, etc.), and am I ready for him/her to leave?

Private Colleges