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specialties. They also come in many different sizes, from the vast
state universities, with enrollment in the tens of thousands, to
small private colleges with fewer than one thousand students.
College usually refers to a higher education institution that
offers a four-year program and grants only bachelor's degrees. It
can be independent, or it can be part of a university. A university is
usually a larger institution, often made up of specialized schools or
colleges, that grants graduate degrees as well as bachelor's degrees.
However, Americans say that they are "in college" no matter
which type of institution they attend.

GETTING ACCEPTED

Once a student chooses a few likely colleges, the application
process can begin. A college application gives details of a student's
academic record and also covers the extracurricular activities and
volunteer organizations a student may have participated in, any
honors received, and even any part-time jobs he or she may have
held. Therefore, it really helps to have more on one's application
than just good grades.
The reason for this is, again, that Americans value well-
rounded people. If you have an excellent academic record but few
other activities to your credit, it's taken as evidence that you have
spent the better part of your life studying and not doing much else.
Colleges and universities will also look at a student's college
entrance exam scores. The college's catalog (a prospectus) will tell
you the minimum scores necessary for admission. Many colleges
will also ask a potential student to come in for an interview before
offering admission.
Because the quality of a high school education varies so much
from district to district, colleges will often require new students to
take basic English and math tests the week before they start
classes. If you do not pass one of these tests, you are required to
take a remedial course until you are skilled enough to pass the test.
These courses are offered at the college or university, but you'll
pay tuition for them.
Americans do not talk about getting a college" place." They
say they have been "accepted to" a college.