College Admission Process: Guide for Parents, and Books for Parents of College-Bound Students (continued)

TYPES OF INSTITUTIONS

Colleges and Universities (four-year):

Institutions made up of divisions called schools or colleges. Geared toward preparation for professional occupations such as accounting, engineering, and health services. Traditional classroom setting. Offer BA or BS degrees upon completion of program.

Community and Junior Colleges (two-year):

Institutions are conveniently located in local communities. Specialize in college transfer programs often tied to four-year colleges in state or area. Usually respond to local employment demand by offering courses in needed areas. Offer associate degrees or certificates upon completion of program.

Comprehensive Institutions:

Award baccalaureate, may also award associate degrees; offer graduate degree programs primarily at the master’s, specialist’s, or professional level, although one or two doctoral programs may be offered.

Military Academies:

Military establishments that combine education and training for the armed forces in large and very structured institutions. There are five service academies in the U.S., all of which require serving at least four or six years as officers in exchange for four years of education. The military’s goal is to produce officers who are well educated both academically and in the workings of the military itself. Offer degrees upon completion of officer training program.

Performing and Visual Arts Colleges:

Institutions including universities, colleges, schools, and conservatories with programs of study in the areas of music, art, theater, dance and related disciplines. Many conservatory programs emphasize auditions and portfolio presentation. Offer degrees or professional degrees upon completion of program.

Specialized Colleges:

Colleges that concentrate their offerings in one or two specific areas are classifi ed as specialized colleges. They include colleges offering the following types of study: agricultural/technical, art/music, Bible, business, engineering, health sciences, military, seminary/rabbinical, and teacher preparation. Some are two-year colleges; others offer four years of study.

Vocational, Technical and Business Schools:

Private proprietary schools specializing in trades or vocations by offering various courses and occupational programs. Specialize in skill training (e.g., welding, cooking, hair styling, and word processing) required for a specific job. Offer certifi cates upon completion of training program. 

Books for Parents of College-Bound Students

The admission counselors, high school counselors, and other professionals on the NACAC e-mail list recommend the following books for parents of college-bound students:

• Letting Go: A Parent's Guide to Understanding the College Years by Karen Levin Coburn and Madge Lawrence Treeger. Written by a college dean and a psychotherapist, this book was mentioned the most by NACAC members
• When Your Kid Goes To College by Carol Barkin. The author decided to write the book after sending her son off to college. She interviewed parents around the country to get their perspectives on the college transition
• Almost Grown: Launching Your Child From High School to College by Patricia Pasick
• Empty Nest, Full Heart: The Journey from Home to College by Andrea Van Steenhouse. Practical advice from a Mom and Ph.D.
• Don't Tell Me What To Do, Just Send Money: The Essential Parenting Guide to the College Years by Helen E. Johnson and Christine Schelhas-Miller
• Campus Daze by George Gibbs
• The College Guide for Parents by Charles Shield (Published by the College Board)