GETTING STARTED AT UNIVERSITY CENTER University Center provides pre-admission advising for those who want to return to school. Call (847) 665-4000 to make an appointment with the Center's Recruitment Specialist/Advisor. Regularly-scheduled Open Houses bring together admission representatives from all University Center programs to allow you to obtain information and compare programs. Visit www.ucenter.org for details. Here are some suggestions to get you started in your educational planning.
Bachelor’s Completion Degrees
GRADUATE Degrees
1. Assess your current status. Do you have an associate’s degree or equivalent? Are you short a couple of courses to complete your associate’s degree and begin a bachelor’s completion program? If so, can you take them at the College of Lake County or other community college? If you want to enter a teacher preparation program, are you familiar with current state-mandated entrance requirements?
1. Assess your current status. Have you completed a bachelor’s degree? Are you in a position, with current family and professional responsibilities, to begin and complete a graduate degree program? If you want to enter a teacher preparation program, are you familiar with current state-mandated entrance requirements?
2. Request a copy of your previous transcripts from ALL colleges and universities you have attended. Have them on hand for pre-admission advising and program advising sessions. If you have foreign transcripts, have you had them evaluated for U.S. equivalency?
2. Request a copy of your previous transcripts from all colleges you have attended to have on hand for pre-admission advising and academic advising sessions. Calculate your overall GPA, if you attended more than one institution. Calculate your GPA in your major, also. If you have foreign transcripts, have you had them evaluated for U.S. equivalency?
3. Review the University Center degree offerings in this program guide and create a list of degrees that fit your professional or personal development plan.
3. Review the University Center master’s degree offerings and create a list of degrees that fit your professional or personal development plan.
4. Can you narrow your list based on any priorities? Assess your needs and skills. Do you have preferences about delivery format, evening or weekend schedule, location, length of degree program, nature of the degree, non-traditional credit options, or tuition costs? These are some considerations you can use in selecting a program.
4. Can you narrow your list based on any priorities? Delivery format, evening or weekend schedule, location, length of degree program, curriculum, and tuition costs are some considerations you can use in selecting a program.
5. Prepare a comprehensive list of questions for each of the degrees you are considering. For example, do they have a process for assessing credit for prior experiential learning? How long will it take to complete this degree? Can you take multiple classes during a semester? How much lead time do they need to process your application for admission? When can you get started? What kind of financial aid is available? If needed, contact the University Center for pre-admission advising. 6. Once you have your choices narrowed, call the contact person listed in the program descriptions for the degree(s) you are considering. That person will get you started with the home institution’s admissions and registration processes.
5. Prepare a comprehensive list of questions for each of the degrees you are considering. What are the specific admission criteria for this degree? Do they require an admission exam such as the GMAT or GRE? What additional pieces are required for the application? Are there any prerequisite courses you need before admission to a graduate degree in your chosen field? When is the application deadline? When can you get started? What kind of financial aid is available? If needed, contact the University Center for pre-admission advising. 6. Once you have your choices narrowed, call the contact person listed in the program descriptions for the degree(s) you are considering. That person will get you started with the home institution’s admissions process.
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