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How to Choose the
Right School and do Your Homework
From the San Diego
Union-Tribune
By Jo Zakarin,
President, Advanced Training, El Cajon, CA
Unemployment in California is the double digits As
a result, more adults are choosing to return to school. But many adults
put less effort into finding a school than high school seniors do
choosing a college.
The most popular choice for adults seeking a second
career is vocational training. It requires less time in academic
subjects and more time in training for a specific career. It’s
hands-on, and entirely practical.
Private and Community Colleges both offer a wide
variety of vocational training opportunities. There are many good
schools to choose from. I have worked in the private sector of
education for over twenty five years. I know there are many schools
that offer the same programs. Choosing one that fits your needs means
looking beyond the friendly person in admissions or reading a glossy
brochure.
Choosing the right school and how much tuition a
student is willing to pay is up to the individual. Choice in education
is one of the few entitlements afforded students today. Our country has
supported education through grant and loan programs that allow students
to choose without worrying about the cost while attending. You should
never take this for granted and realize the money you get for education
comes from taxpayers (you are or will be one of them). It is your moral
(and legal) duty to repay any borrowed tuition dollars.
Be sure you can afford your education and that the
training fits your ultimate career goals.
Because education costs more at a private school, I
want to focus this article on making the most of your tuition dollars.
Here are some of the things you should check out
before deciding on a school. You may be required to do some homework.
1. Licensing – In order to operate in the state of
California a school must posses a valid license from the Bureau for
Private Postsecondary Education. The programs being offered must be
listed as “approved programs” by the State. Most schools display the
license in the lobby of the school and sometimes list their approved
programs. If you don’t see it, you should ask for it. Don’t be shy.
Schools without approval to operate are not legitimate.
2. Accreditation – Most students will tell you they want
to attend an accredited college, but have no idea what accreditation
means. In order to mean anything, the accrediting agency must be
approved by the United States Department of Education. Accreditation
means the school has met rigorous standards in education. Periodically,
the school must host a visiting team from the accreditor. The findings
in this visit have much to do with the length of time the school will be
accredited. For example, my accreditor issues an accreditation for a
maximum of six years. If a school has less than that period it probably
had some issues it needed to work on. Why is this important to you?
Simple, the better the school, he longer the cycle of accreditation
given. If a school received three out of six years , that should give
you a reason to be more diligent in your research of the school and
definitely ask why that was the case. If for example the placement was
below standards that may have some impact on your choices.
3. Tuition and Fees – Private schools do charge more than
public schools. Private schools are not funded with state subsidies or
taxpayer dollars. However, tuition varies from school to school. It is
imperative that you do your homework regarding the quality of the school
and the benefits that school offers to be sure the tuition is
justified. Accredited colleges may permit you to access Federal Student
Aid. Be sure you understand the financial aid obligations before
you enroll in a school. If the school insists you enroll before talking
to a financial aid officer, I suggest you insist on the matter. It is
impossible to make such an important decision without understanding the
financial obligations.
Be sure you understand all the fees. Are there separate
fees for books, uniforms or licensing in your field? If so, how will
that be paid? This is the most important aspect of your search. Be sure
you will be comfortable with any loan payments after you graduate. This
is an investment in yourself, but like any other investment, you’ll need
to have some assurance of the return.
Still can’t make a decision?
Don’t be pressured into making a decision. You have the
right to do your homework and to take time making your decision. I let
students who are very worried or unable to decide to sit in on classes
before they enroll. I call this “class monitoring.” Check to see if
the school you are considering allows this. It will give you a chance
to speak to the other students, teachers and staff at the school. This
may help assure you that the environment is conducive to learning and is
comfortable for you.
I believe that education is the key to a better life. I
hope my advice helps you to open the door that will lead to success.
Jo Zakarin is the Owner and Operator of Advanced Training, a
accredited private college offering training in technical and medical
careers in El Cajon. Jo is also a Certified Financial aid Director and a
Commissioner for the Council on Occupational Education. Jo and Her
Husband Keith, who is a Navy Veteran, have over 50 years of educational
experience between them and have awarded over $46,000.00 in Scholarships
to our men and women in the service over the past 5 years. |
