IUSD’s mission is to nurture the diverse gifts and capabilities within each individual; challenge every student and adult learner to persevere for excellence; develop competent, resourceful, resilient and empowered learners prepared to meet the challenges of a complex future; and enhance the human capacity for courage, compassion, and contribution. Our goal is to help your development as well-rounded, healthy thinkers, who are ready to take the next step after graduation. The following resources may be helpful as you plan for life after IUSD. We believe in your capacity and we are here to support you! If you need more individualized help beyond these resources, please contact your school’s counseling staff.
Factors to Consider when selecting colleges
- SIZE – Size of colleges range from very small (500 students) to very large (>35,000 students)
- LOCATION – Some students prefer to attend college close to home while others want to experience a new environment and would be able to adjust and function as well or better farther away.
- TYPE– Colleges are either privately or publicly funded. Private colleges may or may not be religiously affiliated which may add certain expectations for students who attend that college.
- COST – This includes tuition, fees, room and board, and travel expenses. Tuition at state-supported schools is substantially lower than that of private schools. Students who wish to attend out-of-state public schools pay out-of-state tuition fees, which in most cases equate with tuition at a private institution. However, private institutions often provide significantly more financial aid.
- ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS – In addition to presenting acceptable scores on entrance exams, some colleges require a certain number of units in high school preparatory courses, as well as essays, recommendations, or interviews.
- CURRICULUM AND DEGREES OFFERED – A sizable consideration for choosing a college should be the availability of adequate programs in the area you intend to study, as well as the requirements for achieving a degree in your major at that particular college.
- HONORS – Distinctive academic programs may be available to students who meet requirements.
- FACILITIES – Some students are interested in the quality of the facilities, including classrooms, laboratories, libraries, residence halls, etc.
- FINANCIAL AID – Along with federal and state aid, many colleges offer institutional financial aid to bridge the gap between the cost of education and the expected contribution of the family. Some private colleges even offer financial aid that places the cost in line with that of public colleges.
- EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES – The college should offer a variety of activities which are of interest to you, e.g., student government, social organizations, athletic or intramural activities, etc.
- FAMILY TRADITION– Your family may have strong ties to a particular college.
