Choosing a School

Questions to ask as you consider your college options

talk to an admission counselor
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Smart Teaser

HOW FAR IS TOO FAR?

  • What's the difference between in-state vs. out-of-state tuition? Can I afford the differences? Are there scholarships to help offset the cost?
  • Do I have the budget for travel expenses? Will this impact how often I can return home for weekends and breaks?
  • How will I maintain relationships with my family and friends if I go to this school?

Smart Teaser

DOES SCHOOL SIZE MATTER?

  • Will I be comfortable asking my professor questions in a lecture hall? 
  • Am I going to get the support I need with the class sizes the school offers?
  • What is the student-to-faculty ratio? 
  • Am I disciplined enough to go to class if I know the professor won't notice I'm not there?

Smart Teaser

HOW WILL I PAY?

  • What are the hidden costs? Are things like textbooks, special course fees, and activity fees included or extra?
  • Do I qualify for academic and/or participation scholarships? 
  • How much will I need to save or borrow? How does that compare to my earning potential once I have a degree?
  • How does tuition compare to other schools? 
  • Will I be able to find a job on or near campus?

WHAT ABOUT ACADEMICS?

WHAT ABOUT ACADEMICS?

  • Does this school have the major I want? If I'm not exactly sure what I want to study, does it offer multiple programs that interest me? Do they have resources to help me choose?
  • Is the school (and program) accredited? 
  • What is the job outlook for the field I'm choosing? What about starting salary? Does this school have alumni working in the field I'm pursuing? 

WHAT ARE THE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS?

WHAT ARE THE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS?

  • Will I get in with my current grades and test scores? 
  • Do I need to write an essay for my application?
  • Is there an interview process involved? 
  • Am I going to need letters of recommendation?

Smart Teaser

WHAT AM I LOOKING FOR?

  • Do I want to go to a public or private school?
  • Will I be happier in a more urban or rural environment? 
  • Am I looking for a campus where most people live on campus or one where most people drive to class, and then leave?
  • How diverse is the student body? Will there be a mix of people like me and people who are different from me? 

Smart Teaser

WHAT IS THERE TO DO AFTER CLASS?

  • Are there student organizations that interest me? Are there intramural sports I can participate in?
  • Do they offer free or discounted student tickets to events?
  • What kind of internship and study abroad opportunities do they offer? 
  • What kind of academic support services do they offer? 

Smart Teaser

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE?

  • Can I find information on their website or on social media? 
  • Is there a representative I can meet with to help me get to know the school better?
  • Do I know anyone who went there or who currently goes there? 
  • When is the next campus visit opportunity? 

NEXT STEP: 

Talk to an admission counselor to learn more about 

Southeast Missouri State University.

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Southeast Missouri State University

Office of Admissions
One University Plaza
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Tel: (573) 651-2590
Email: admissions@semo.edu

Copyright @ 2020 Southeast Missouri State University