seattle university

How to Find the College that

Fits You Best

Know What You Want in a CollegeHigh school graduation rolls around and you’re off to college

sooner than you think. Between now and then, you face one of

the most important decisions that will impact the next phase of

your life. College is already on your radar. You want to get into

a good school, acquire skills for professional development and

explore more of what life has to offer. It can be overwhelming.

How do you select the right school, one that fi ts who you are?

Academics, campus life, location, activities and programs are all

factors to consider. This guide is a starting point.

Take a Quick Quiz About YourselfNo one college or university is right for everyone. Each school is different. You have to decide what’s most important to you. When asked that question, Makenna Coe Smith, ’11, a mechanical engineering major from Pocatello, Idaho, said, “Small classes, somewhere that I thought I would make friends easily, had my major and was in the Northwest.”

Now’s a good time for a thoughtful self-assessment. Answers to these questions can help you determine what you need from a college environment to thrive.

Ask yourself . . .

What do you want most in a college or university?

Are you quiet? Outgoing? Inquisitive? Self-reliant? Creative? Refl ective?

Do you feel most comfortable in a familiar setting?

Do you like to have several options before you make a decision?

What are your greatest passions?

Do you crave adventure and love to explore life on your own?

Do you want to stay close to home?

Do you prefer small or large classes?

Are you seeking a rural, suburban or urban environment?

A Timeline to Keep You on TrackAs you weigh your options, a timeline can guide you through

the application and admission process.

JUNIOR YEAR

SENIOR YEAR

All YearContinue studies in gateway subjects (English, social studies/history, foreign language, mathematics, laboratory science)

FebruaryStart to receive brochures from universities and colleges inviting you to request information; return cards or inquire online to get on the mailing lists

March-MayAttend college nights and fairs to meet college and university representatives throughout the United States

May-JuneTake American College Test (ACT) and/or Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) for the first time

OctoberTake Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT)

JuneRegister for senior gateway subjects (English, social studies/history, foreign language, mathematics, laboratory science)

July-AugustStart touring college campuses

September-NovemberMeet with college representatives who visit your school

Attend college night/fair programs

Continue to visit colleges and universities

NovemberRequest counselor and teacher recommendation letters on your behalf

Optimal time to prepare applications

November 15Seattle University’s Early Action and Sullivan Leadership Award application deadlines

DecemberRecommended time to forward applications to your school counselor to complete and send to universities and colleges of your choice for regular decision

January 1Earliest opportunity to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov

January 15Seattle University’s regular decision priority deadline

February 1FAFSA deadline to receive priority fi nancial aid consideration (or no later than 30 days from date of admission)

October-NovemberRepeat the ACT or SAT

Decide which colleges you will apply to and fi nd out what is needed to submit an application

Small or LargeThink about whether you want a big school or a small one.

There are advantages to both.

Whether an institution is a college or university has nothing

to do with how big it is. Either can be small or large. A college

typically focuses on one fi eld of study, such as engineering,

or a group of related fi elds, such as liberal arts. A university is

comprised of colleges and schools and is likely to have more

degree options.

A small university offers an intimate setting where you get to

know most of the other students and your professors. Small

classes, personal attention and an inclusive campus are the

main characteristics.

A large university sometimes resembles a city within a

city, with an expansive campus and many students. Some

advantages are the range of choices students have in their

studies, majors and activities.

“ The classes are small, which makes for a better learning environment, and the city provides many opportunities to start careers and participate in internships.”

—Ashley Cayme, ’14, communications major from Hilo, Hawaii

Interest in Research or TeachingWhen you explore universities, you may

fi nd yourself looking at some that focus

on research and others that emphasize

teaching. Whether the fi eld is medicine,

the social sciences or marine biology,

faculty at research institutions concentrate

most on research. You find personal

instruction from scholars and professors at

those schools that focus on teaching.

Liberal Arts or Preprofessional StudiesWhatever your professional or career interests, you are

building a foundation of knowledge. If you know the career

you hope to pursue, take a close look at the professional

college or school you are considering. Even if you are already

directed toward a specifi c career, a liberal arts background will

round out your experience and teach you to apply knowledge

of the world to your life and your work.

Liberal arts provide a general knowledge on a range of

educational subjects to develop your critical thinking and

problem-solving skills.

Preprofessional studies combine academics and training to

best prepare you for a specifi c profession or industry.

“ As a freshman, I’m not entirely sure what I want to pursue as a career; however, SU has given me the opportunity to explore many areas of study and has fi nally helped me realize where my passions lie academically.”

—Anna Long, ’14, history/economics

Urban or RuralLocation may seem secondary to your educational needs and

interests. Sometimes students don’t consider whether they’d

be happier in an urban or rural setting until after they choose

a college or university. Yet your surrounding environment can

have an impact on academics as well as lifestyle. Often it’s as

much a part of your education as the classroom.

Rural settings can offer great scenery and accessibility to

outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, skiing and more.

By contrast, urban locations offer greater access to major

industries, cultural offerings and mass transportation.

What region suits you best is another factor. Sometimes an

urban location can have easy access to outdoor activities or

a rural setting isn’t far from a major metropolitan area.

Now is a good time to explore and give serious thought to

location as you choose a school to attend.

Living On or Off CampusWhether to live on campus or commute

to campus is another consideration. Many

universities and colleges require students

to live in residence halls for their fi rst

year and some for the second year as well.

Commuter students live off campus and

come to school by car, public transportation,

cycling or walking.

“ Living on campus is pivotal to get the most out of your experiences.”

—Erin Lane, ’12, psychology major from Auburn, Wash.

“ What made it diffi cult was choosing between schools that were very similar. I knew I wanted the urban setting, preferably on the West Coast. In the end, it came down to choosing what city I wanted to live in and…I decided to get to know a new city.”

—Miguel Campos, ’14, international business major from San Francisco, Calif.

Dollars and Good SenseThe cost of a college or university can be

intimidating. This is likely one of the most

important financial decisions you will

make. Your undergraduate education puts

you on the path for your career. With your

increased earning power, your education pays

for itself. You are investing in your future.

Public or PrivatePrivate or independent colleges and universities are founded

and operated by a variety of organizations, many with a

religious affi liation. Private schools rely on endowments and

tuition for their operations.

Public colleges and universities are owned and operated by

the states in which they are located. The state sets tuition and

goals and has a say in the management of the institution. State

schools charge non-residents higher tuition than residents.

Private and public schools often differ in student services,

atmosphere and mission. Private schools usually have a close

working relationship with local businesses and industry. Their

missions and goals are often based on the ideas and beliefs

of their founders.

“ Look for scholarships early and often, both through the university and outside. Work hard on your academics in high school and you will probably get an academic scholarship. Talk to the fi nancial aid offi ce and ask as many questions as you can.”

—Sarah Kilcline, ’13, English major from Coronado, Calif.

“ I was seeking a university that would allow me to grow holistically. I wanted to be able to progress both academically and in my Catholic faith. I wanted to be able to participate in volunteer opportunities and give back to the community, and be surrounded by people who genuinely cared about helping to make the world better.”

—Dana Rodriguez, ’14, sociology major from Los Angeles, Calif.

Accreditation and RankingsFor colleges and universities, accreditation refl ects the quality and

value of an education. According to the U.S. Department of Education,

accreditation “is the recognition that an institution maintains

standards requisite for its graduates to gain admission to other

reputable institutions of higher learning or to achieve credentials for

professional practice.”

When researching colleges and universities, you might come

across rankings for specifi c programs, schools, campus life, student

interests and the like. Some of the most notable and reliable ranking

guides include U.S. News & World Report, Princeton Review’s annual

Best Colleges and the Fiske Guide to Colleges. These rankings can

be a good resource when you research a school and can give you

a feel for life inside and outside of the classroom. “ One of the major things I was looking for in a school was a sense of community and one in which the individual mattered.”

—Haley Zitzmann, ’14, from Littleton, Colo.

Sampling of Accreditations

Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology

American Bar Association

American Chemical Society

Association of Theological Schools

AACSB International:Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (Diagnostic Ultrasound)

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Council on Social Work Education

National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration

National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Admissions TermsACT American College Test (one of two aptitude tests typically required for admission).

Alumni Graduates of an institution, men or women.

Alumna Female graduate of an institution; group of female graduates: alumnae.

Alumnus Male graduate of an institution.

AP Advanced Placement: refers to accelerated, demanding college-level course work taught in high schools. Often students receive college credit for suffi ciently high scores on examinations given following completion of Advanced Placement courses.

Candidate’s Reply DateThe notifi cation/deposit deadline for most colleges and universities in the United States.

Deposit Non-refundable fee required by colleges and universities to secure an offer of admission or a housing assignment.

Early Action An opportunity to be considered for admission before applications for the regular admission cycle are received and evaluated. Early Action is not binding and allows students to wait before committing to a particular institution.

Early Admission An option that allows admis-sion and enrollment prior to high school graduation, following completion of your junior year. This may require an on-campus interview, letters of support to ensure the necessary maturity and concurrent completion of high school graduation requirements in the fi rst year of college.

Early Decision Consideration for admission before applications for the regular admission cycle are received and evaluated. Early decision is binding.

Students must indicate the institution is their first choice and they will enroll if offered admission. They are precluded from applying early decision to more than one institution and agree to withdraw all applications for regular admission if admitted.

FAFSA Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the initial and fundamental application for fi nancial aid; completion is required for federal aid consideration at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

IBInternational Baccalaureaterefers to accelerated, demanding college-level course work taught in certain high schools and recognized throughout the world. In most cases, students receive college credit for suffi ciently high scores on examinations following completion of International Baccalaureate courses.

Independent Privately supported, not state-run.

Ivy League The original group of highly competitive universities that competed in athletics. Members include Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, Princeton, Brown, Columbia, Cornell and the University of Pennsylvania.

Jesuit Schools Colleges, universities and high schools around the world run by the Society of Jesus, an order of Roman Catholic priests. The 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States include Boston College, Holy Cross, Georgetown, Gonzaga, Marquette, Creighton, Fordham, Loyola Marymount, Loyola Chicago, Santa Clara, St. Louis University, Seattle University, University of San Francisco and others.

Legacy An applicant who has a relative, such as a parent or grandparent, who has graduated from the institution.

NCAA National Collegiate Athletic Association, which includes three divisions with different regulations. Divisions I and II can offer fi nancial grants on the basis of athletic ability. Division III schools are prohibited from offering fi nancial aid based on athletics.

PSAT Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test, typically taken in the fall of a student’s junior year in high school. This is not used for admission purposes but is the initial criterion for National Merit Scholarship consideration.

Rolling Admission Where colleges and universities evaluate students as soon as their applications are received and offer acceptance if their records meet the institution’s admission requirements.

SAT Scholastic Aptitude Test (one of two aptitude tests typically required for admission).

SAT Subject Test Achievement tests in specifi c subjects, often required by highly selective institutions in combination with SAT.

TOEFL Test of English as a Foreign Language, required for admission for international student applicants and Americans and permanent U.S. residents for whom English is a second language.

Wait List Maintained when all anticipated openings in the entering class, or for a specifi c academic program, have been offered to earlier applicants. If openings become available, offers are extended to applicants on the wait list.

A Quick Look at College Degrees

UndergraduateA student enrolled in college who has not yet earned a bachelor’s degree.

GraduateA student who has earned a bachelor’s degree and is working toward an advanced degree.

Associate’s DegreeTwo-year degree, usually earned at a community college.

Bachelor’s DegreeFour-year degree; also an associate’s degree combined with two additional years at a four-year school.

Master’s DegreeAdvanced degree; requires a bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite to enrollment.

Doctoral DegreeMost advanced degree; typically requires a master’s degree as a prerequisite to enrollment.

About Seattle UniversityFounded in 1891, Seattle University is a four-year, independent university located on 50 acres in the heart of one of Seattle’s most diverse neighborhoods, just a short walk from downtown. Academic excellence is the leading objective of this Jesuit, Catholic university.

SU’s urban and inviting campus has won many awards for its eco-friendly practices. Its central location presents a wealth of professional and personal growth opportunities. Outdoor enthusiasts can fi nd parks, green spaces, Puget Sound, lakes and mountains nearby. Sports fans can cheer on professional sports teams at CenturyLink Field or Safeco Field or enjoy SU basketball at KeyArena at Seattle Center. There’s no shortage of live music venues, theaters, restaurants, coffee shops and art museums, all within walking distance.

SU provides an intimate setting for undergraduate and graduate students, with all classes taught by accomplished faculty. Classes are small, typically no more than 25 students. There’s a 1:13 faculty-to-student ratio, which ensures plenty of interaction with leading scholars in their fi elds.

U.S. News & World Report ranks SU among the top 10 universities in the West, a distinction the university has held for 10 consecutive years. This year, SU ranks 6th overall and 10th for best value for academic quality.

Three out of four undergraduate students serve the community with volunteer activities, internships and professional development. Students, faculty and staff volunteer at more than three times the national average, which explains why The Princeton Review’s infl uential guide, The Best 373 Colleges, ranks SU among the top 20 universities in the nation for how well its students interact with the community.

In the past decade, the university doubled its enrollment of underrepresented minorities, with nearly half the graduates representing communities of color. SU has the most racially and ethnically diverse undergraduate population of any four-year college in the state.

With eight schools and colleges and nearly 80 undergraduate programs, SU offers a range of majors and educational opportunities. You don’t have to select a major in your fi rst two years. If you’re undecided, you can take classes of interest while counselors ensure you won’t miss any courses needed to graduate. If you have a major in mind, faculty can help you bring it into focus.

“ Diversity played a huge role in what university I chose. I wanted to be sure to surround myself with as many people as I could who held different views, beliefs and histories than my own.”

—Ashley Catlett, ’13, business management major from Bremerton, Wash.

Visit the CampusPerhaps the best way to get to know Seattle University and what it has to offer is to experience it fi rsthand. To arrange a tour, call or visit SU online.

» (206) 220-8040 / (800) 426-7123

» www.seattleu.edu/visit

Seattle University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran in the administration of any of its education policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletics and other school-administered policies and programs, or in its employment related policies and practices. All university policies, practices and procedures are administered in a manner consistent with Seattle University’s Catholic and Jesuit identity and character. Inquiries relating to these policies may be referred to the university’s Vice President for Human Resources and University Services, and Equal Opportunity Offi cer at (206) 296-5870.

Consistent with the requirements of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its implementing regulations, Seattle University has designated three individuals responsible for coordinating the university’s Title IX compliance. Students or employees with concerns or complaints about discrimination on the basis of sex in employment or an education program or activity may contact any one of the following Title IX coordinators: Gerald V. Huffman, vice president for Human Resources and University Services, Equal Opportunity Offi cer, Rianna Building 214, (206) 296-5870, huffmaje@seattleu.edu; Dr. Michele Murray, associate vice president of Student Development, Student Center 140C, (206) 296-6066, mmurray@seattleu.edu; Dr. Jacquelyn Miller, associate provost for Faculty Affairs, Administration 104, (206) 296-5446, jcmiller@seattleu.edu. Individuals may also contact the Offi ce for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education.

Admissions(206) 220-8040 or (800) 426-7123 admissions@seattleu.edu

Financial Aid(206) 220-8020 or (800) 426-7123 financialservices@seattleu.edu

Undergraduate profile870 new freshmen40% men; 60% women

53 states and territories and 89 nations represented

54% Caucasian21% Asian/Pacific Islander9% International students 8% Latino5% African American 1% Native American6% UnknownNOTE: individuals can self-identify with more than one race or ethnicity and are counted within each group, which results in a total of more than 100%.

Freshman class (middle 50%) GPA: 3.3–3.9SAT math score: 520–630SAT critical reading score: 530–630SAT writing score: 530–630ACT composite score: 24–2841% from Washington state

FACTS

Jesuit CatholicOne of 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the U.S. and more than 100 around the worldFaculty-to-student ratio: 1:13719 total facultyAverage class size: 20Classes taught by professors: 100%Alumni Approximately 67,000 in all50 states and 77 nationsTuition (2012–13)Full time: $34,200Average room and board: $10,296

University enrollmentUndergraduate: 4,631Graduate: 2,124Law: 1,000

To view SU’s Common Data Set and other noteworthy statistics, visit www.seattleu.edu/ir.

SU Profi le

WWW.SEATTLEU.EDU

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMSAlbers School of Business and EconomicsAccounting; Business Economics; Economics; Information Systems; Finance; Individualized Major; International Business; Management; Marketing

College of Arts and SciencesAmerican Law and Politics; Art History; Asian Studies; Catholic Studies; Chinese; Communication Studies; Creative Writing; Criminal Justice; Cultural Anthropology; Digital Design; Drama; English; Environmental Studies; Film Studies; Fine Arts; French; German; Global African Studies; Global Awareness; Global Politics; History; International Studies; Italian; Japanese; Journalism; Latin American Studies; Liberal Studies; Medieval Studies; Military Science/ROTC; Music; Nonprofit Leadership; Philosophy; Photography; Political Science; Prelaw (Pre-professional Programs); Premajor (for freshmen and sophomores only); Psychology; Public Affairs; Social Welfare; Social Work; Sociology; Spanish; Sport and Exercise Science; Strategic Communications; String Performance; Theater; Theology and Religious Studies; Visual Art; Women Studies

College of Nursing

College of Science and EngineeringBiochemistry; Biology; Cell and Molecular Biology; Chemistry; Civil Engineering; Computer Science; Computer Science–Business; Computer Science–Mathematics; Diagnostic Ultrasound; Electrical Engineering; Environmental Science; General Science; General Science–Preprofessional; Marine and Conser-vation Biology; Mathematics; Mathematics–Applied; Mathematics–Pure; Mechanical Engineering; Physics

Matteo Ricci CollegeHumanities; Humanities for Teaching; Humanities for Leadership Studies