Historically black colleges and universities were founded when African-American students were systematically denied access to most other colleges and universities. These institutions continue to offer students a unique opportunity to experience an educational community in which they are a part of the majority. Women's colleges, with their larger number of female faculty and administrators, offer female students confidence-building role models, greater opportunities to serve in a full range of student leadership positions and a heightened awareness of career possibilities for women. Community or junior colleges generally offer the first two years of a liberal arts education, in addition to specialized occupational preparation. At the end of a two-year program of study, an associate degree is awarded.
Many students continue their education at a four-year institution.
When to apply Begin the application process as soon as you've made your list of prospective schools. Start as early as possible in your senior year or at the end of your junior year if you are seeking early admission. Keep this in mind. Colleges may state a closing date or deadline for applying, but this is often just a guideline. A college may cut off applications earlier than its final date if the class is filled before then, or it may accept applications beyond that date if it has room for more students.