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College of Agriculture > Prospective Students > Selecting a College > FAQ's

FAQs About Selecting a College

What should I look for in a college?

  • Academic Program: Does it offer a strong program in your preferred major?
  • Size and Type: How large of a school do you want to attend?
  • Location/Setting: How far away from home do you want to be?
  • Student Body: Will you fit in comfortably at this school?
  • Resources/Faculty: How talented and accessible are the faculty members?
  • Extracurricular Life: What is there to do outside of class?
  • Living Accommodations: On and off campus, where do students live?
  • Tuition Costs: Can you afford the tuition or is sufficient financial aid available? (Don’t rule out a school because of high tuition, but do look for two or three within your family’s budget.)              

I found a school that I like. What do I do next?

  • Find out about admissions criteria such as how to apply and what scores, tests and grades you need for acceptance.
  • Find out about special admissions requirements such as minimum ACT/SAT scores, etc., for your desired major.
  • Find out about scholarships, financial aid and work-study options—what is available and how to apply.
  • Find out when to apply for on-campus housing, or what off-campus housing is available.
  • Find out about the campus. The best way to decide if you truly like the school is to make a campus visit!

How much time should I give my teachers to write letters of recommendation for me?

  • Give teachers a minimum of two weeks notice, prior to the postmark date.
  • Ask in a way that allows teachers to decline comfortably if they do not have time to do an adequate job. Ask if they feel like they know you well enough and if they have enough time to write a supportive letter.
  • Be sure to give the teacher a stamped envelope addressed to the college, along with any recommendation form provided by the college.

How many times should I take the ACT® tests?

  • It depends on how satisfied you are with your ACT scores the first time. Sometimes students will take it three times, but most students will take it in the spring of the junior year and the fall of the senior year.