Although “college” and “university” are often used interchangeably, each term actually describes a different type of academic institution. Colleges are generally academic equals with universities, in that they both grant undergraduate degrees, except they tend to have smaller student bodies and class sizes. Universities, meanwhile, are required to meet certain criteria in order to earn the title, mainly having a graduate degree program.<\/span><\/p>"
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{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "How do I pay for college?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
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If you or your parent(s)/guardian(s) can’t afford to pay for a higher education out of pocket, then there are several types of financial aid available to you, such as loans, scholarships, and grants.<\/span> Student loans come in both federal and private varieties, with the former requiring you to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to receive any federal aid.<\/span> Unlike student loans, scholarships and grants usually don’t need to be repaid, though applicants may have to meet certain criteria or make specific commitments to be eligible.<\/p>"
}
}
,
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "How do I get a full-ride scholarship?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
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Full-ride scholarships are only awarded to the most exceptional students. Those who demonstrate academic merit, leadership, athletic skill, financial need, and/or meet the requirements for certain state-sponsored programs have a greater chance of earning a full-ride scholarship. Although the rarity of full-ride scholarships means most students won’t receive one, it’s still worth applying for any scholarships that you may be eligible for, even if they won’t cover the full cost of attendance.<\/span><\/p>"
}
}
,
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "Where in the world is college free?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
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In 2020, there were 22 countries that provided a completely free university-level education, nearly two-thirds of which are located in Europe. These countries were Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Norway, and Sweden, in Europe; Egypt, Kenya, and Morocco in Africa; Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay in South America; Panama in North America; and Malaysia in Asia. However, several of these countries only offer free education to their own citizens or are only available to international students with certain visas.<\/span><\/p>"
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Here's what you need to know to choose a college, apply for admission, obtain your degree, and leverage your education for a higher-paying, more satisfying career.
What is the difference between college and universities?
Although “college” and “university” are often used interchangeably, each term actually describes a different type of academic institution. Colleges are generally academic equals with universities, in that they both grant undergraduate degrees, except they tend to have smaller student bodies and class sizes. Universities, meanwhile, are required to meet certain criteria in order to earn the title, mainly having a graduate degree program.
If you or your parent(s)/guardian(s) can’t afford to pay for a higher education out of pocket, then there are several types of financial aid available to you, such as loans, scholarships, and grants. Student loans come in both federal and private varieties, with the former requiring you to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to receive any federal aid. Unlike student loans, scholarships and grants usually don’t need to be repaid, though applicants may have to meet certain criteria or make specific commitments to be eligible.
Full-ride scholarships are only awarded to the most exceptional students. Those who demonstrate academic merit, leadership, athletic skill, financial need, and/or meet the requirements for certain state-sponsored programs have a greater chance of earning a full-ride scholarship. Although the rarity of full-ride scholarships means most students won’t receive one, it’s still worth applying for any scholarships that you may be eligible for, even if they won’t cover the full cost of attendance.
In 2020, there were 22 countries that provided a completely free university-level education, nearly two-thirds of which are located in Europe. These countries were Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Norway, and Sweden, in Europe; Egypt, Kenya, and Morocco in Africa; Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay in South America; Panama in North America; and Malaysia in Asia. However, several of these countries only offer free education to their own citizens or are only available to international students with certain visas.
The National Association of College and University Business Officers
The National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) is a membership organization representing colleges, universities, and other higher education facilities around the world. Founded in 1962, NACUBO serves its members via public outreach, political lobbying, and by offering industry conferences, workshops, discounts, as well as other benefits.
The graduate record examination (GRE) is a standardized exam utilized by U.S. and Canadian graduate schools to determine the eligibility of a potential applicant. Designed to measure a student’s aptitude for abstract thinking in the areas of analytical writing, mathematics, and vocabulary, the GRE is composed of three key sections: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and critical writing.
“B-School” is a colloquial term for both undergraduate and graduate business schools. Although structurally similar to most other post-secondary colleges and universities, B-Schools typically specialize in teaching subjects related to business and finance, such as accounting, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized test typically used as the primary exam reviewed by business schools for MBA program applicants. Designed to measure a student’s aptitude in mathematics, verbal skills, and analytical writing, the GMAT is composed of four key sections: analytical writing assessment, verbal reasoning, integrated reasoning, and quantitative reasoning.
The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a series of standardized tests that are administered by the College Board, which allows students to earn college credit for introductory-level courses. Unlike Advanced Placement (AP) exams, CLEP tests do not have an accompanying high school course and are available to a wider range of potential applicants.
INSEAD is an acronym for the Institut Européen d'Administration des Affaires, one of the world’s leading and largest graduate business schools. With locations in France, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and San Francisco, it’s little surprise that there are over 11,000 participants in INSEAD's executive education programs each year.
Magna cum laude is an academic honorific, which signifies a student has achieved academic excellence. Meaning “with great praise,” magna cum laude is ranked above cum laude honors and below summa cum laude. There are several possible criteria that are considered for magna cum laude honors, such as a student's grade point average (GPA), class rank, number of hours completed, etc.
The Wharton School of Business, established in 1881 as part of the University of Pennsylvania, is the oldest collegiate school of business in the world. In addition to founding the first U.S. collegiate center for entrepreneurship in 1973, Wharton also has a massive alumni network of over 100,000 people across 153 countries.
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