Before you start: How to Choose a College Pretest

About 10 minutes. Not graded. 10 questions, plus 3 quick confidence questions.

This is not a test you pass or fail. It is fine not to know these answers. Many people will not, because you have not taken the course yet. Your answers show your starting point, so at the end you can see how far you came.

Why we ask: it shows what you already know and which ideas are new to you. When you finish the course, you will see your before and after for each skill, so you can see where you grew and what to review.

How sure do you feel?

Rate each line from 1 (not at all sure) to 5 (very sure). There is no right answer.

I can list what I need and check if a school is accredited.

1 2 3 4 5

1 = Not at all sure5 = Very sure

I can compare net price, graduation, earnings, and debt.

1 2 3 4 5

1 = Not at all sure5 = Very sure

I can spot red flags and choose a school with reasons.

1 2 3 4 5

1 = Not at all sure5 = Very sure

Questions

1. Before you look at schools, what should you write first?

A. The job you want next B. How much you can borrow C. A list of nearby schools

2. Who sets the rules for a job that needs a state license?

A. The school's accreditor B. The state licensing board C. The school's admissions office

3. Where can you check if a school is accredited?

A. DAPIP, run by the Education Department B. The accreditation page on the school site C. The recruiter who called you

4. What can happen at a school that is not accredited?

A. Your credits may not transfer B. Classes will be harder to pass C. Tuition is always much lower

5. Grants of $5,000 come off a $15,000 price. What is the net price?

A. $15,000 B. $10,000 C. $20,000

6. Which tool estimates what students like you paid at a school?

A. A net price calculator B. A student loan estimator C. The sticker price chart

7. Which free tool shows graduation rates and earnings?

A. A net price calculator B. The FAFSA form C. College Scorecard

8. Who at a school answers transfer credit questions?

A. The admissions recruiter B. The registrar C. The financial aid office

9. Which is a red flag?

A. A clear cost sheet B. Time to think it over C. Pressure to sign now

10. What helps you compare schools fairly?

A. Your gut feeling alone B. The school with the best ads C. One sheet, same checks

Save my starting point

Next up

Go to Lesson 1: Know what you need from a school.

This self check is not a grade and does not affect your access.