Got your eye on a college you want to study at? Hold on a minute. Before you settle, there are a few questions to ask the college before you enrol. This will help you decide whether the institution is the right fit for you.
Questions to ask the College Before you Enrol
Imagine applying to a college, only to find out later that they do not offer the course you want. You could end up dropping out, or study a course that won’t help you in your career. Avoid disappointment with these questions to ask the college before you enrol below:
- Do they offer the course I want to study?
- What programmes does the college offer?
- Is the college accredited?
- When should I apply?
- Are there open days at the college?
- What are the entry requirements?
- Does the college offer bursaries?
- Can I study part-time?
- What is the cost of the course I want to study?
- Will my tuition cover the cost of my course and textbooks?
- How many students are there per class?
- What resources are available at the college?
- Can I consult with my lecturer and tutor?
- Is there student accommodation available on campus?
- What are my travel options?
- Are there extracurricular activities available at the college?
Do They Offer the Course I Want to Study?
Before you have your heart set on a college, make sure they offer the course you want to study. This is the very first thing you need to ask. This will help you rule out which colleges you can apply to. You’ll be left with a few options to choose from.
What Programmes Does the College Offer?
Even if you know which course you want to study, you still need to know what courses the college offers. This will come in handy in case the programme you want to study is full or you need to change courses. You’ll have more options available to you.
Is the College Accredited?
Even if the course is non-accredited, you need to ensure that the college you’re applying to is recognised. This will ensure that you are awarded a certificate from a reputable college. It’s best to ask and check out the reputation of the college before you apply.
When Should I Apply?
Ask the institution when their application period starts. This will ensure that you get a space at the college. University applications start the previous year. TVET college enrollment takes place at the start of the year. At distance learning colleges, you join at any time you want.
Are There Open Days at the College?
Open days are a great way to get first-hand experience of the college. So find out if the college offers open days to prospective students. If not, they should be able to give you an orientation guide. This will help you get familiar with the college and its culture.
What are the Entry Requirements?
Admission requirements differ per college and per course. Find out what the entry requirements are and if you qualify for the course. Some colleges require you to have a matric. For others you may need a bachelors pass. At a distance learning college you can study without matric.
Does the College Offer Bursaries?
If you need financial assistance, ask the college if they offer bursaries to their students. Not all institutions offer financial aid. So you may need to make alternative arrangements. If you do well in school, you might be offered a scholarship that will cover your tuition.
Can I Study Part-time?
No need to quit your full-time job. Find out if the institution offers part-time classes in the course you want to enrol in. When it comes to studying part-time, not all courses are offered after hours. Colleges that offer distance learning courses allow you to study part-time.
What is the Cost of the Course I Want to Study?
You don’t want to bite off more than you can chew. So avoid financial issues and ask about the cost of the course. This will give you an idea of what you can afford and which college is accessible to you. You’ll be able to plan your fees or work out a payment plan.
Will my Tuition Cover the Cost of my Course and Textbooks?
If the college offers bursaries, that’s great. You’ll be able to get the help you need. But before you sign your name on the dotted line, find out if it covers your full tuition and your books. Some bursaries only pay for the course and not the resources you need.
How Many Students are There per Class?
Universities are known for having large lecture halls and big classes. If you learn better in smaller classes, you might want to consider colleges with smaller classes. You can also use this time to ask whether tutorials with smaller classes will be available to you.
What Resources are Available at the College?
It’s great attending a college where you are able to get all your resources in one place. So be sure to ask about all the resources available and if they are included in the cost. This includes a library, computer room, textbooks and student support services.
Can I Consult With my Lecturer and Tutor?
Some colleges limit their interactions with students to the classroom. But if you learn better through one-on-one consultation, it’s best to contact the college about it. Find out about consultation times and if lecturers and tutors will be available via phone and email.
Is There Student Accommodation Available on Campus?
Not everyone is lucky to have a university and college right down the road. If you need a place to stay, ask the college about their student accommodation. Colleges who offer distance learning courses allow you to study from the comfort of your home.
What are my Travel Options?
If you’re not living on-campus and do not have a car, you need to find out about travel arrangements. Some colleges offer shuttle services for their students. If not, you need to make sure that you are close to a bus terminus, train station or taxi services.
Are There any Extracurricular Activities Available at the College?
Love playing sports and attending events? Then asking about the college’s extracurricular activities is what you need to do. You can also check out their social media pages and blog to get up-to-date information on all their special events.
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