Ready for College?

Ready for College?

Today I have a comparison of three colleges in North Carolina. Most high schools kids have a problem finding the college that may fit them.  Today I am here to release some of the stress off of your shoulders by providing you with 3 colleges that I think will start you off in your college process. These are three random colleges out of the state of North Carolina. I am interested in helping kids in high school get ready for college. I am also a high school student so I am learning each day just like you; so don’t feel pressured!

Category to compare: Colleges in NC

Three types you will compare:

Points:	Duke University	Barton College	Guilford College
Enrolled Students	15,427	1,194	2,739
Smart Rating	97	90	90
Acceptance Rate	13.4%	41.8%	68.2%
Location	Durham, NC	Wilson, NC	Greensboro, NC
Religion	United Methodist	Christian Church	Friends
Sector	Private(4-Year)	Private(4-Year)	Private(4-Year)
Average SAT	2160	1415	1655
Financial Aid %	69%	100%	97%
Student-Faculty  Ratio	7:1	12:1	16:1
Graduation Rate(4-year)	89%	33%	48%
Academic Services	Yes	Yes	Yes
ROTC	Yes	No	No
Athletics	Yes	Yes	Yes
Locale Types	City: Midsized	Town (Fringe)	City: Large
Sports/Division	Atlantic Coast Conference Division I NCAA	Conference Carolinas Division II NCAA	Old Dominion Athletic Conference Division III NCAA

As a high school senior I always hear kids being asked “what college are you going to after you graduate?” and most kids my age reply by saying “I don’t know”. Ultimately it is very hard to find a college to go to because you have the pressures of senior projects, papers, scores, sports, etc. I personally had a pretty hard time myself choosing where I want to go. I had to narrow down my choices. In the colleges above, my personal favorite is Duke University, but I know that not every kid in America can go there.  With a 13.4% acceptance rate, financial aid-help at 69%, and such a high tuition I know it is hard on some students financially and academically. Duke is a great school with great academics and atmosphere but it may be a bit much. Barton and Guilford College have very prestigious programs also but just doesn’t cost as much and doesn’t require as much to go because they are division II and division III schools unlike Duke University which is a Division I school.

Honestly, if I had to pick between these three choices above; I think I would apply and try to get into Duke University. It may require a large amount of materials and monetary things but I think I would absolutely love the experience of going to that school. I have been on a visit to Duke it is such an exuberating environment. You are more likely to get a job coming out of Duke University than any other school in NC in my opinion. As a “Blue Devil” you are held to a higher standard than anyone else. Not putting any other school down, but Duke just happens to be my favorite. This may be a very hard school to get into but I know I would love to call myself a “Blue Devil”.