Begin Your School Research

Entering higher education is a serious commitment and the many choices available can be confusing. Start here to simplify your research.

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1. Middle Schoolers: College is Closer Than You Think

   Right now, college probably seems like a million miles away. But really, middle school is the best time to start making plans for what happens after high school. Relax — you don't have to make any big decisions yet. But the sooner you start thinking about what you're interested in doing, the easier your choices will be later on. Let's get started!
   




2. Freshmen: College Starts in High School

   Freshmen Welcome to high school, or as you might want to think about it- "pre-college." In less than four years, you will be entering a new stage in your life that's even more important than beginning high school. So the time to start planning for college is now, while you've got some time to really explore your options. Let's get started!
   




3. Sophomores: Picking Up Momentum

   It's time to pick up the pace, dig a little deeper into your studies, and really focus on making your top choices of the colleges you'd like to attend. And in the meantime, you'll be preparing for, and taking, your first standardized tests. Let's get started!
   




4. Juniors: Time to Take Care of Business

   It's your junior year, and by now you can probably see the finish line- graduation. You're closing in on college and you know it, so this is no time to slow down. Take these next few months very seriously. Get good grades, finalize your college search, do your best on standardized tests, and your senior year could bring you some great rewards. Let's get started!
   




5. Seniors: Putting it All Together

   You've worked hard through high school, and now it's about to pay off. This is no time to let senior slump take over! As you head for the finish line, make each day count by meeting every deadline and completing every "to-do." From college admission forms to financial aid follow-ups, to managing your classwork, you've got a lot to handle, but you know you can do it. Let's get started!

Source: KnowHow2Go

ISEEK: Starts Your Higher Education

You may find that there is a lot of information about majors and programs; and many places to find school descriptions. ISEEK is a terrific place to start because it has the most complete information about Minnesota higher education in the state.

1. Find Minnesota schools and programs

   ISEEK offers a complete list of information for 250 Minnesota schools; 7,800 training and certificate programs; and more than 500 fields of study (majors). You can also find a complete directory for online education.

   Search ISEEK for Colleges or Fields of Study to:

   Use the "Request information" feature. An email will automatically be sent to the Admissions office of the schools you select.

   Locate specific school pages and find:

   • Programs and courses
   • Admission's office information, address, phone number, and email address
   • Housing
   • Costs
   • Financial aid, such as school scholarships and loan programs
   • Student services, such as health care, childcare, disability services, and computer services
   • Links to popular school website pages
   • Student population, such as ethnicity, gender and enrollment percentages

   Printed college catalogs provide detailed information about colleges and universities nationwide. They are available at college career offices, public libraries, and high school guidance offices. Review college catalogs for:

   • Requirements for admission
   • General education requirements for graduation
   • List of required courses in the academic programs that interest you
   • Course descriptions
   • Qualifications of the professors



2. Consider schools nationwide

   • Try CareerOneStop's Education and Training Finder. Discover colleges in other states that offer programs in your major or field of study.
   
   
   • College Navigator is a free consumer information tool designed to compare postsecondary institutions nationwide. Features include an interactive map, the ability to view search criteria at all times, and make modifications without starting over.

What about distance education?

Distance education is described as any time a student and instructor are not in the same place. This includes correspondence study or using audio, video, or computer technologies to connect.

Are distance learning courses for you? Take ISEEK's Distance Learning Quiz to find out. Discover more about online learning. Minnesota colleges, universities, high schools and middle schools offer distance learners quality courses and programs.

1. Other higher education resources

   Minnesota Office of Higher Education
   GetReadyForCollege.org has information for parents, high school and adult students about preparing for college, financial aid, application and entrance requirements, evaluating colleges and more.

   Minnesota's Private Colleges
   Contains useful information on Minnesota's private colleges, tips on searching for a college and links to the 17 four–year private colleges and universities in Minnesota.

   Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
   With 53 campuses in 46 communities, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities offer many educational choices across the state.

   U.S. Department of Education
   The Department of Education Web site has information about financial aid, scholarships, technology in schools, articles about education–related issues, data about the number of people going to college and graduating, and links to other education sites.

   University of Minnesota
   The second largest institution of higher education in the Midwest, the University of Minnesota has sixteen schools and colleges.