Basics of the Post-Secondary Search
Students considering post-secondary options are often faced with difficult choices.  Deciding on a post-secondary path is one of the most important decision that a student will need to make as the high school experience comes to an end.  It may be helpful for a student to create a list of the 3 to 5 factors they consider most important to them in choosing their post-secondary educational option.  Some of the basic areas listed below may assist in both creating that list and comparing and evaluating post-secondary options.  These lists are intended to assist students in thinking about what they want and need to insure success and a positive experience in their post-secondary education.13
 
The Basics:
 
  • "Is [the school/college] accredited?  - accreditation is very important because it insures that the institution meets or exceeds an established, [accepted] set of educational standards.  This can be important for transfer, recognition by employers, etc.   [For many vocational schools and private businesses offering educational programs, there is no academic accreditation.  The result is that the " credentials" of the school or business can be]...little more than a minimal investment in assets and/or registration as a business entity."14  In these cases, it is important to establish the credentials that the school and its instructors have, and their basis/reliability/validity.
  • Type of school (2-year, 4-year, vocational, etc.)
  • Admission requirements
  • Disability services that you need (see discussion titled:  Questions to Ask During the College Search).
  • Financial:  cost, financing, financial aid availability, scholarships, student employment opportunities.
  • Number of students, co-ed or same sex.
  • Academic/educational programs/majors available (remember, you may think you want a certain program, but insure that if you change your mind, other programs of interest are available), student-faculty ratio, typical class size.15
  • Location - urban/rural, close to home, etc.
  • Private school or public school (public is often less expensive), schools with a certain religious or other affiliation.
Campus Resources:
 
  • Library
  • Technology Resources
  • Health service, psychological support
  • Accessibility
  • Extracurricular activities - student organizations/clubs, athletics, intramurals, etc.
  • Study abroad, internships, etc.
"Living" Environment:
 
...a visit to schools and colleges being seriously considered is critical to the post-secondary decision process...it is the best way to obtain an accurate view of any institution...the visit(s) should occur during a time when the school is in session...
  • Commuter campus, living on or off campus
  • Comfort- food?  Type of food plans?  Rooms?  Clean?
  • Accessibility
  • Physical size of campus
  • Transportation
  • Area in which school is located and its assets
  • School's commitment to inclusion
  • Social life
  • Campus safety
Statistics:
 
...perhaps the most frequently asked question is, "How do you rate this school?"  (Illinois State Board of Education)
 
There is no specific rating system that is universally accepted for post-secondary educational facilities.  However, looking at school statistics for success in retention, graduation/program completion, acceptance to graduate and professional programs and job placement (including salary), can offer some insight into the school's ability to prepare students for post-secondary success. 
 
FOR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES - See discussion titled:  Questions to Ask During the College Search.
 
FOR VOCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND PRIVATE BUSINESSES:  16, 17
 
  1. Number of students who enrolled during school's last fiscal year;
  2. Number of students who did not complete the course of instruction/did not graduate;
  3. The percentage of students who did not complete the course of instruction for which they enrolled for the past fiscal year as compared to the number of students who enrolled in the school during the school's past fiscal year;
  4. Number and percentage of students who passed the State licensing examination;
  5. Number and percentage of graduates who requested placement assistance by the school during the school's last fiscal year;
  6. Number and percentage of graduates who obtained employment as a result of placement assistance by the school during the school's last fiscal year;
  7. Number and percentage of graduates of the particular school who obtained employment in the field who did not use the school's placement assistance during the school's last fiscal year;
  8. The average starting salary for all school graduates employed during the schools' last fiscal year.

By looking closely at these numbers, you can determine the success rate of students who enrolled in the school.
 
By comparing the numbers indicated in the first 3 statistics above, you will get an indication of how many students started the course of instruction and made it all the way through. 
 
If you are considering a type of training that involves State licensing from some other agency (Professional Regulation, Department of Public Health), the number and percentage in statistic 4 above will indicate how many graduates of this particular school passed their licensing exam as a result of the training received at the school. 
 
You may call the Illinois State Board of Education, Educator and School Development at 217.782.2948 to inquire whether any complaints have been filed against the school(s) you are considering.18
 
 13The school's Transition Counselor is the critical professional link between the student and post-secondary    options.  They can provide accurate information and resources regarding post-secondary choices and facilitate
    interactions between students and post-secondary institutions.
 
 
15If a student is in a major, which requires access to specific facilities, be sure they are available (that is, if
   equipment, etc. is centrally located, are there adequate resources to accommodate student need).  For
   example, Computer majors - up-to-date computer equipment and labs, Film majors - industry standard
   equipment for filming,  editing, etc., Art majors - appropriate studios, Performance Arts - rehearsal,
   practice and performance venues,  Science majors - labs, equipment, materials, etc. 
 
16"Usually, one of the first people you will speak with any of the private businesses and vocational schools
     offering educational programs will be a sales representative or agent of some type.  All persons conducting
     sale are required to carry a permit card indicating the agent's name and the name of the school.  You
     should ask to see the permit card of the person who is interviewing you to ensure he or she is an approved
     sales representative."  (Illinois State Board of Education)
 
17In Illinois, schools are required, by statute, to disclose [these] statistics on their contract or enrollment
   agreement.  (Illinois State Board of Education)
 
18Illinois State Board of Education