7 THINGS YOU NEED TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE PLANNING GUIDE

7 THINGS YOU NEED TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A UNIVERSITY

3 WHAT TO EXPECT

5 PLACE

7 LEARNING

9 TRADITION

11 COMMUNITY

13 SUPPORT

15 FINANCIAL FIT

17 ADMISSIONS

19 NEXT STEPS

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

OFFICE OF ADMISSIONSCOLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY

1062 CAMPUS DELIVERYFORT COLLINS, CO 80523-1062

ADMISSIONS@COLOSTATE.EDU(970) 491-6909

WHAT TO EXPECT READING “7 THINGS”

EVERY YEAR, COLORADO STATE SETS OUT TO FIND THE NEXT CLASS OF STUDENTS TO JOIN OUR FAMILY.

As we talk to prospective students and their families, there are often common questions and concerns shared. You are probably mulling over some of the same questions right now.

The purpose of this eBook is not to give you concrete answers to those questions, but instead give you a solid starting point for your college search. Choosing the right university isn’t easy, but hopefully you can use our experience. In the end we hope you feel more prepared to make a smart choice when the time comes.

ALSO, WE ADMIT IT. WE’RE BIASED.

We would love for you to consider Colorado State University for your future and we’ve added lots of information to the eBook so you can learn more about us. But, we’ve also done our best to give you an accurate look at the college choice process and some tools to challenge admissions counselors as you consider different universities — yes, even our counselors.

Finally, good luck in your journey to make a college decision. We truly hope you find a university you’re proud to call home!

PLACEYOUR COLLEGE

EXPERIENCE WON’T STOP WHEN YOU LEAVE

THE CLASSROOM

WHY IS PLACE IMPORTANT?Your college experience will be defined by a lot of factors, but one of the most important is the environment you’re in. And that’s bigger than just a list of things to do on the weekend.

Sure, you should consider the types of recreational and cultural activities in the area, but also think about your ability to find an off-campus job or a local internship. Think about access to local transportation and cost of living. And think about how the community around you will define you for the rest of your life.

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR?Ultimately, that’s up to you.

We recommend thinking about the activities and interests you already enjoy and the kind of things you would try if you could. Start by making a list of your must-haves, then start researching college towns, national rankings, and social media. Most importantly, create a list of campuses to visit during your junior and senior years in high school.

Learn more about Fort Collins atadmissions.colostate.edu/location

5 MUST-SEES IN THE FORT COLLINS AREA

THE POUDRE CANYONPRONOUNCED “POOD-ER,” DRIVE UP THE

CANYON FOR MILES OF BEAUTIFUL PRISTINE RIVER.

THE OVALWALK THROUGH AN AISLE OF 100+ YEAR-

OLD AMERICAN ELMS IN THE HEART OF THE COLORADO STATE CAMPUS.

HORSETOOTHENJOY THE 6.5 MILE LONG RESERVOIR

BENEATH THE 7,200+ FOOT HORSETOOTH ROCK, JUST 10 MINUTES FROM CAMPUS.

A COLORADO SUNSETBASK IN THE ORANGE GLOW BEHIND

THE PERFECT BACKDROP OF THE COLORADO FOOTHILLS.

FORT COLLINS EQUATIONREGION | GEOGRAPHY | PHILOSOPHY

THE

LEARNINGLEARNING SHOULDN’T

STOP WHEN YOU LEAVE THE CLASSROOM

EITHER

See the entire list of programs available at admissions.colostate.edu/academics

OF COURSE LEARNING IS IMPORTANT.After all, that’s why you’re going to college, isn’t it?

But, there are a lot of ways to learn. Are you a classroom learner or an experiential learner? Do you plan to conduct original research? Are there enrichment opportunities like Honors programs or societies?

There are a lot of things to consider when you’re comparing programs among universities. Make sure you’re looking at the entire learning experience and not just a single aspect or one professor.

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR?You need to decide what is most important to you as a student.

We recommend trying to contact the department or program you’re interested in at each of your potential universities. Make it a point to talk to someone on the ground. Even better, ask if you can connect with a current student. Many universities have students ready to take your questions or other opportunities to connect.

Regardless of who you’re talking to, be sure to ask about opportunities outside of the classroom. Some of the best learning is done through action — not recitation.

77%OF THOSE WHO GRADUATE DO

SO IN 4.5 YEARS

22PROGRAMS OR

COLLEGES RATED IN THE TOP 100

U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT 2014

73UNIQUE MAJORS

CSU ACADEMICS AT A GLANCE

STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO

16:1

TRADITIONBE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER THAN YOURSELF

EVERYONE THINKS OF TRADITION DIFFERENTLY.And, no one is wrong.

What makes traditions so special aren’t the songs, secret handshakes, inside jokes, or even the specific memories. It’s the understanding you have as you walk across campus that everyone is on the same team. It’s the feeling you get when you travel abroad and see someone wearing a shirt from your university and know you’ve found someone you can trust. It’s the knowledge that you’re part of something big — something bigger than yourself.

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR?This is a tough one.

The best way to feel tradition is to visit campus. Tradition and spirit are part of what holds universities together, and for many, what completes the college experience. It’s a feeling, and it’s definitely worth considering.

Read about more CSU traditions at otp.colostate.edu/ramhistory.aspx

4 OF THE BEST CSU TRADITIONS

HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY? HEAD TO THE MAIN PLAZA AND STAND ON THE FAMOUS CSU STUMP TO LET THE WORLD KNOW.

WHEN YOU’RE IN FORT COLLINS YOU’LL SEE A GIANT “A” PAINTED ON THE MOUNTAIN; A THROWBACK TO OUR EARLY DAYS AS THE AGGIES.

STAND UNDER THE FIREWORKS, LISTEN TO THE MARCHING BAND, AND WARM UP NEXT TO THE MASSIVE BONFIRE EVERY HOMECOMING.

CAM THE RAM HAS REPRESENTED THE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1946 AND IS A HUGE FAN OF SELFIES WITH STUDENTS.

COMMUNITYJOINING A COMMUNITY DOESN’T MEAN FITTING

INTO A MOLD

DON’T BE AFRAID TO LEAVE YOUR COMFORT ZONE.Sure, it’s easy to become part of the rank and file and never ask questions, but wouldn’t you rather make a mark? Your college experience should be about challenging yourself and learning as much about yourself as you learn about your major.

That’s why we tell students to look at community as an opportunity to branch out. Think about it is as the piece of your experience that rounds out the learning you do in the classroom. Whether you find your community in your residence hall, in the stands of a sporting event, in a late-night study group, or even just meeting people that didn’t grow up with the same experience as you, your community is a chance to build something.

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR?First of all, check out what kind of communities already exist at the universities you’re considering. Maybe you’ll find groups that you’re already interested in joining or learning more about.

Then, on your campus visit, ask current students about their experiences on campus. Do they feel like they’ve made contributions to campus? Do they feel welcome voicing new opinions or ideas? What kinds of groups did they join?

Finally, find out about their experiences outside of the classroom. Are there opportunities to network with other students in a positive atmosphere? What kind of leadership opportunities can you find? And, most importantly, will the community at the university both welcome and challenge you?

Learn more about the CSU community atadmissions.colostate.edu/campuslife

COMMUNITY AT COLORADO STATE

500+ CAMPUS CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

OF FRESHMEN IDENTIFY AS RACIALLY OR

ETHNICALLY DIVERSE

20%

NUMBER OF COUNTRIES CSU STUDENTS COME FROM

90+

RESIDENTIAL LIVING AND LEARNING COMMUNITIES

16

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

1,800+

INTERNATIONAL- OR DIVERSITY- RELATED CLUBS ARE LOCATED

ON CAMPUS

60+

SUPPORTCOLLEGE ISN’T

SOMETHING YOU DO ON YOUR OWN

SUPPORT COMES IN MANY SHAPES AND SIZES.There’s a good chance that the university you choose will be the largest school you’ve ever attended. That means you’ll be expected to take more responsibility for yourself as well as your studies.

So, what happens when you need a hand?

Student-focused universities make sure there is a safety net for students and it should be more than the willingness of a professor to speak to you after class. While the small things are important, supportive universities make intentional efforts to ensure that their students are taken care of in and out of the classroom.

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR?Think big when you’re considering student support. Start with programs like tutoring, advising and career counseling, but don’t limit the search to those.

Support should also include enrichment programs, early warning and intervention systems, diversity and cultural groups, health and counseling programs, proactive orientations, and overall atmosphere. The university you choose shouldn’t just set you up to be successful in the classroom, but instead make sure you have opportunities to excel and expand your learning to all facets of your college life.

CSU SUPPORT

CSU ENRICHMENT

Learn about CSU learning communities atlc.colostate.edu

CENTER FOR ADVISING AND STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTCAREER CENTERTUTORING PROGRAMSWRITING CENTERORIENTATION AND TRANSITION PROGRAMSSTUDENT DIVERSITY PROGRAMS AND SERVICESRESOURCES FOR DISABLED STUDENTSACADEMIC ADVANCEMENT CENTER

UNIVERSITY HONORS PROGRAMOFFICE OF UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH AND ARTISTRYPRESIDENT’S LEADERSHIP PROGRAMPRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMSEDUCATION ABROADSEMESTER AT SEAACADEMIC HONOR SOCIETIESRESIDENTIAL LEARNING COMMUNITIESCSU HEALTH NETWORK

FINANCIAL FIT

DON’T MINIMIZE YOUR FINANCIAL DECISION

FINANCIAL FIT DEFINED

COST

AID

STRATEGIES

OUTCOMES

INCLUDES TUITION, FEES, HOUSING, TRAVEL COSTS, BOOKS AND

MATERIALS, AND OF COURSE SOME FUN ON THE SIDE.

STUDENTS MAY RECEIVE FINANCIAL AID IN THE FORM OF SCHOLARSHIPS, GRANTS, LOANS AND WORK STUDY.

FAMILY SAVINGS, SUMMER JOBS, SMART BUDGETING, AND PRIOR COLLEGE CREDITS EARNED ARE OTHER FUNDING STRATEGIES.

MAYBE THE MOST IMPORTANT CATEGORY, THIS IS THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION AND OPPORTUNITY YOU

RECEIVE AT THE UNIVERSITY.

Learn more about CSU financial fit at admissions.colostate.edu/costfinancialaid

GETTING AN EDUCATION IS A BIG INVESTMENT.That’s why it’s so important to understand all of the financial outcomes of going to college.

While cost and scholarships are two incredibly important factors, make sure you’re looking at the whole picture. We like to think of financial fit as a combination of cost, aid, strategies, and outcomes.

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR?Every family’s situation is different.

Not only do you need to consider the immediate impact of your decision to go to college, but you should also consider your personal goals and financial resources.

For example, it’s smart to research how your education will lead you to a career, graduate school or another destination. You don’t have to have it all figured out now (your plan will likely change), but knowing where you want to be in the future may help you decide how much you want to spend on education now.

No matter what your goals and finances look like, make sure you talk to financial aid counselors at the universities you’re considering. It’s incredibly important to get in touch with financial services so that you have a complete understanding of what is possible at your university.

ADMISSIONSBE A PARTNER IN THE

APPLICATION PROCESS

THE CSU ADMISSIONS PROCESS

OUR REVIEW PROCESS ALLOWS US TO LEARN ABOUT YOUR ACADEMIC SUCCESSES AND THE EXPERIENCES

THAT HAVE IMPACTED AND PREPARED YOU FOR LIFE AT COLORADO STATE. WE

CONCENTRATE ON FOUR AREAS.RIGOR OF COURSES

INVOLVEMENTPERFORMANCE

ADDITIONAL FACTORS

HOLISTIC REVIEW WHEN WE NEED ITFALL TERM EARLY ACTION:

DECEMBER 1

FALL TERM REGULAR DECISION & FULL SCHOLARSHIP

CONSIDERATION:FEBRUARY 1

AFTER THESE DATES, FRESHMAN APPLICATIONS ARE CONSIDEREDON A SPACE-AVAILABLE BASIS.

WHAT WE NEEDAPPLICATION

$50 APPLICATION FEE OR WAIVER

OFFICIAL HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT

ACT OR SAT RESULTS

PERSONAL STATEMENT

RECOMMENDATION

YOU ARE AN INDIVIDUAL. YOU SHOULD BE TREATED LIKE ONE.University admissions primary purpose should be setting students up for success once they reach campus. How can a university know if you’ll be successful if they don’t ask the right questions?

It’s important to take the admissions process into consideration when shopping for universities because it can reveal a lot about the institution. Are staff available to help you make it through the process? What kind of questions are you being asked? Is the university concerned about your experiences and passions as well as your test results?

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR?Look for an admissions process that reflects the values you want to see in a university.

If you want a supportive atmosphere in college, the admissions process should feel like university staff are invested in your success from the start. If you want a community-oriented atmosphere, the process should push you to learn how you’ll add to campus.

That means developing a relationship with your admissions counselor throughout the process. While the application is the university’s opportunity to learn more about you, the process of applying is your opportunity to learn more about the university.

Learn more about CSU admissions process at admissions.colostate.edu/apply

CHECK MAIL AND EMAIL

VISIT YOUR TOP

CAMPUSES

TALK TO YOUR COLLEGE

COUNSELOR

WHAT’S NEXT?Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to put these lessons

to the test. Take these steps to start your college journey.

CONTACT YOUR ADMISSIONS COUNSELORfor personal guidance on your college choice path:

admissions.colostate.edu/find-your-counselor

CONNECT WITH USthrough social media to get a better sense

of our campus and our community:

admissions.colostate.edu/social

OFFICE OF ADMISSIONSCOLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY

(970) 491-6909ADMISSIONS@COLOSTATE.EDU