Key Questions to Consider When Choosing a School
PRICING TRANSPARENCY
Ensure that the school provides a fixed and publicly accessible price for program costs applicable to all students.
CREDIBILITY
Any claims of “accreditation” should be scrutinized and verified.
Be cautious of any accreditation being sold to you. It may be a label purchased by the school that holds no real value for the institution or its students.
DESIGNATED LEARNING INSTITUTION (DLI)
Confirm whether the school is listed as a Designated Learning Institution.
AWARDS
Investigate the criteria for any awards the school promotes.
Determine who nominates the school and whether the school pays to receive such awards. Awards obtained through payment may not be as significant as they appear.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Check if the school offers work experience opportunities.
Evaluate the school’s partnerships with industry professionals, such as salons and spas, and whether they provide demonstrations or training.
INSTRUCTORS
Inquire about the qualifications of the instructors. Understand the training and professional development process for instructors at the school.
ADMISSIONS MEETINGS
Determine if the school encourages you to bring a friend or family member to admissions meetings.
STUDENT AID SUPPORT
Confirm if the school provides student aid support. Note that school staff should never apply for loans on your behalf; students must complete and submit their loan applications themselves.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Check whether the school offers accommodations for learning challenges.
If you have a disability, verify if the school requires documentation or offers accommodations.
ENROLLMENT PROCESS
Assess whether the Admissions Advisor is pressuring or rushing you through the enrollment process.
Understand the registration requirements and ensure that the school requests educational records before accepting you. Evaluate if the Admissions Advisor takes the time to understand your needs and preferences.
Take your time to research and compare multiple schools. You should never feel rushed to enroll. Distinguish between receiving support throughout the process and being expedited through it.