Every parent desires to provide their child with the best education possible, and private schooling may be the solution. But, the first step to a child receiving a top-notch education is to do the homework to select the right school.

Each private school has different tuition prices, class sizes, available activities and other qualities, and the reality is that parents and students are usually looking for different things in an academic institution.[pullquote]“One of the best parts of private schools is that students and parents want to be there,”[/pullquote]

Students often look for a sense of belonging at school. Many children evaluate the quality of a school based on their chances of making a lot of friends and meeting a significant other. Parents, on the other hand, are looking down the road at opportunities that might be available to their child as a result of their enrollment. While the student is focused on homecoming dates and sleepovers, the parents envision college scholarships and acceptance letters.

Many private school directors and admission counselors believe that a student’s success is largely dependent on a student attending a school that is a good match for him or her.

“Cascia Hall is not for everyone. I think there are a lot of great private and public schools in Tulsa. I don’t think Cascia Hall is the only great option. It has to be a good fit,” says Kerry Hornibrook, director of school advancement at Cascia Hall Preparatory School in Tulsa.

Matthew Vereecke, school director at Monte Cassino School, agrees.

“We stay away from selling ourselves at Monte Cassino, but rather focus on being the best fit,” says Vereecke.

For this reason, Monte Cassino, Cascia Hall and many other private schools throughout Oklahoma encourage prospective students and their parents to shadow a current student before they enroll. This allows prospective families to not only evaluate the school, but also see how they would fit inside that school’s community. Ultimately, a private school should be just that: a community.

Most private schools provide smaller classroom sizes than public schools and are in tune with what a child wants and needs.

The largest difference between a private school and a public school is that most private schools have a values-based education system. This gives educators the freedom to infuse beliefs and opinions into a lesson. This is a huge positive when the parents share the same values as the institution but can be negative when they don’t, thus stressing again the importance of parents choosing the school that fits best.

The true beauty of private schools is that there is a choice involved.

“One of the best parts of private schools is that students and parents want to be there,” says Hornibrook.

Whether new to the college scene or a seasoned student, creating a successful college experience takes work for most. Unlike high school, college is education that students pay for through loans, scholarships or savings.

“You’ll want to make sure that investment pays off by getting good grades,” says Amanda Castro, the director of Prospective Student Services at the University of Oklahoma.. [pullquote]“I think it’s very important for students to have a life outside of their studies. Finding time for everything you want and need to do is all about prioritizing your day.”[/pullquote]

For some students, that can be easier said than done.

“I have found that many students simply did not have to study in high school,” says J.J. Smith, assistant director of Student Services at Oklahoma State University-Tulsa. “The material covered came easy to them, and they truly haven’t learned how to study.”

Smith says the best advice he can offer incoming students is to not procrastinate. The theory is that students should study two hours for every hour they spend in class, she says.

“If a student is taking 15 credit hours, they should reserve 30 hours a week for studying,” says Smith.

Despite best efforts, there may be a time students find themselves struggling, says Castro.

“College is different than high school for a reason,” says Castro. “This transition takes students from a highly structured high school environment to a highly unstructured one in college. If there is one skill that students need when they get to college, it is time management,” she says.

However, the best college experience can be all about finding the right balance, says Smith.

“Too much of anything can be bad for a person,” Smith says. “I think it’s very important for students to have a life outside of their studies. Finding time for everything you want and need to do is all about prioritizing your day.”

Smith suggests that students make a list of things they need to do along with an estimation of how long it will take to complete the tasks. Rate each task by importance, he adds, then start to work on the list.

“Typically, lack of planning is what causes most students to feel stressed in their day-to-day schedule,” says Smith.

Finally, it’s never too early for students to start planning what they will do after earning a degree.

“Students can begin working with a career services department on their resumes and interviewing skills long before a job search begins,” Castro says. “The advice they can give will assist students in becoming the most competitive candidate for a job.”

Through coaching, counseling, practice interviewing and more, students who seek these services should walk into the job market ready to showcase themselves, she adds.

“Typically, employers are looking to hire students during the fall semester of their senior year,” adds Smith. “Students without any field experience will have a more difficult time landing that dream job.”

Study Tips

Some students don’t know how to take notes that will work for them. There are a ton of books on note taking in the library, and most writing centers have tips on how to take better notes.

Many students wait until night to study, but most individuals learn best during daylight hours. Figure out what time works best and make it happen.

Find the appropriate study area. Some need absolute quiet, while others work best with a lot happening around them.

Limit interruptions. Turn off the electronics, including cell phones.

– J.J. SMITH, OKLAHOMA STATE
UNIVERSITY – TULSA.

After graduation from high school, it’s on to the next step: college. Choosing which college or university to attend can be a monumental decision prospective students and their parents may have been anticipating for many years or may have just decided to start saving money to fund. Regardless, keep these things in mind when choosing the right school.

“I think it is important to ask yourself what you are looking for first and foremost,” says Amanda Castro, director of Prospective Student Services at the University of Oklahoma.

For example, Castro says, “What size of classes will I feel most comfortable in? How many of my classes will be large, lecture style classes? Will there be a challenging academic environment for me?

“You’d be surprised to see how many schools have only a limited number of large classes,” says Castro.[pullquote]Knowing what programs the university offers, as well as the quality of those programs, is an important factor when choosing the right school.[/pullquote]

Additionally, some students may find the college environment challenging, whereas others are looking for an environment that would include an honors college, Castro adds.

“Don’t simply ask things like, ‘How is your English department?’ or, ‘How is your pre-med program?’” says Castro.

The more specific your questions are the better, she says.

“It is hard for a school to effectively communicate the answer you are looking for when they get a vague question,” she continues.

Financial questions should come into play, adds Castro. This may determine what kind of school to pursue, as public versus private school tuition can vary widely.

In accordance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, a Net Price Calculator should be accessible on each prospective school’s website.

“This handy tool will help you get a picture of what it could cost for you to attend college,” says Castro.

Susan Tolbart, the director of Academic Services and Recruitment at Oklahoma State University-Tulsa, explains that knowing what programs the university offers, as well as the quality of those programs, is an important factor when choosing the right school.

“The type of degree and quality of the university can have a major impact on long-term job earnings,” says Tolbart.

Both Tolbart and Castro agree that in addition to questions on the quality of programs and tuition, questions geared toward campus safety and housing options should also be high on the list.

“Public colleges and universities should publish campus crime statistics online each year under the provisions of the Clery Act,” says Tolbart.

Originally known as the Campus Security Act, the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (20 USC § 1092(f)) requires colleges and universities across the country to disclose information about crime on and around campuses.

“Student safety should be a priority on every campus,” says Castro.

If it’s not, your money will be better spent elsewhere, she adds.

Housing selection is an important aspect of choosing the right college, says Castro. Campus housing should provide students with a vibrant community in which to live, and many times the students have several selections to choose from.

When looking at options for schools, prospective student and their parents must take into account their goals, lifestyle and pocketbook.