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Applying for College

What the Schools Will Want

Along with a completed college application you will need to provide a variety of materials, records, and information. While these requirements vary between degree types they tend to be the same within similar degree programs. The four main degree types along with the normal supporting data requirements are described below:

1. Technical Diploma / Certification programs. These types of programs include instruction in culinary arts, design arts, technology certifications, transportation, and vocational studies. Entrance requirements are minimal due to the complete nature of the training provided.
    
2. Associate Degree. A two year degree program is designed to build upon your high school education and is more formal in nature than a Technical Diploma / Certification program. Areas of study might be in business, computer science, electronics, design arts, or nursing. Typically students will be required to provide the following along with their application:
   
 
• High School Diploma / GED
   
• Scholastic Exams
   
3. Bachelor Degree. This four year college degree can be pursued either directly out of high school or after the completion of an Associate Degree. This degree choice covers the full spectrum of career possibilities for the prospective student. Areas of study might include business, computer science, criminal justice, engineering, journalism, nursing, or technology. Entrance requirements vary greatly between types of schools and fields of study. A school might require you to provide or perform
   
    
   • High School Diploma / GED
      
   • Associate Degree (if applicable)
      
   • Scholastic Exams
      
   • Letters of Recommendation
      
   • Essay
      
   • Interview
      
   • Audition or Portfolio (If your major is art, media related, or music)
      
4. Graduate Degree. Typically master's or doctorate programs are pursued by individuals who have been working in a career field for several years. There is no requirement for the graduate degree to be directly related to the undergraduate degree and it is common for people to obtain a graduate degree outside of their original area of study. Common graduate degrees include Masters of Business Administration, Masters Computer Science, Masters of Arts in Education, and Masters Information Science. Graduate schools are generally much more selective when admitting students and commonly make decisions on student admittance based upon undergraduate gpa, scholastic test scores, professional achievements, and your statement of purpose. Having the following material prepared and ready to submit with your application will significantly improve your chances of acceptance into the graduate program of your choice:
    
   • Bachelors Degree
      
   • Scholastic Exams
      
   • Letters of Recommendation
      
   • Statement of Purpose
      
   • Interview
      
   • Audition or Portfolio(if your major is art, media related, or music)