What Intangibles Go Into the College Search Process?

Are you thinking about going back to school to earn your Associate or Bachelor's? Although you may have missed the application deadline for some schools, many schools are increasingly choosing to go the rolling admissions route to provide more flexibility to applicants who may need more time or recently decided to pursue a degree. National American University is proud to offer rolling admissions on all campus, so students of all backgrounds can enroll in school when it is convenient for them. Rolling admissions is one intangible that may influence where you ultimately decide to enroll.

The Difference between Intangible and Tangible Reasons for Choosing a School

When we discuss tangibles, we are referring to data that can be measured and reviewed. For example, in your search for the best college for you, you more than likely probably researched college search publications and websites to learn about schools. These sites will include a rough summary of the school with numeric details like tuition, enrollment, average GPA, student to faculty ratio, average financial aid package, and graduation rate. These are all numbers that can be measured and proven. Although, these tangibles are important, they don't always tell the whole story about a school.

The intangibles for a school matter as well and could really make the difference between being happy or not. When we discuss intangibles, we are talking about details that can't be put on an Excel sheet. Do you have a preference for taking online classes? Are you looking for a school that is within driving distance from your home? Would you prefer to go to a "commuter" school or a school where nontraditional students make up the majority of the student population, so you feel more comfortable with others in your class and can get additional help?

These are all intangibles that can ultimately help you make the correct decision when choosing a school. Therefore, when looking at schools, be sure to talk to your admissions representative about what you're looking for in a school that may go beyond the numbers.

If you're considering a school that offers degrees in today's hottest careers, features online and on-campus classes across the country, and has a very dedicated faculty and staff ready to help, please be sure to contact a NAU representative today. He or she can help you gain a better understanding of what it means to be a National student and what it's like to attend a National American University class.