• Paths to Higher Education

    The term “higher education” refers to all the educational opportunities available to you after high school. By knowing all available opportunities, you will have a better idea of what type of college may be a good match for you. These options include:
    • FOUR-YEAR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES Four-year colleges and universities focus on offering educational programs that lead to bachelor’s, master’s, or professional degrees. Many students start college studies at a community college and later transfer to a four-year college or university. This allows students to complete courses at a less expensive community college and later use the credits to meet the graduation requirements at a four-year college.
    • COMMUNITY COLLEGES Community colleges are designed to meet the vocational and educational needs of the community. Individual colleges vary widely and can offer programs ranging from classes in continuing education and certificate programs to vocational programs and associate degrees. Students can transfer into Bachelor’s degree programs after completing an Associate degree.
    • CAREER COLLEGES Career colleges are designed to provide a student-centered learning environment, which combines academic subject matter with interactive, hands-on labs and learning of skills. Programs range from bachelor’s and associate degrees to diplomas, certificates, and certifications. 
     
     
     College Admissions
     
    In order to meet students’ needs, colleges offer several admission programs. The following program types are frequently used:

    Regular Admission - offered by all colleges. Applications are due to the colleges by a specific date ranging from late fall to early spring; students are notified of the college's decision by mid-April.

    Rolling Admission - offered by some colleges. Decisions are made upon receipt of completed application packet. Students are notified within 4 to 6 weeks. Early application is encouraged.

    Early Decision - offered by a decreasing number of colleges. Students may apply early decision to only one college by early November and will receive a decision from that college by mid-December. If the student is accepted, the decision is binding and he/she is expected to attend, withdrawing any other pending applications.

    Early Action- offered by several colleges. Students may apply to a college by early November and will receive a decision from that college by mid-December. The student is not formally obligated to attend that college and may continue applications to other colleges.

    Early Admission - offered by many colleges. In rare instances colleges accept students prior to high school graduation. Outstanding high school juniors with permission of the college administrative staff, their parents and John Champe HS administrative staff, matriculate to college one year early. These students are encouraged to complete their remaining high school requirements in college.

    PLEASE NOTE: Colleges have varied policies regarding the number of Early Decision/Action applications each student may file. The student is responsible for respecting the policies of the individual college/university.