When you are considering schools to attend, you might want to look into special programs available to students.  Listed below are some of the special programs that students tend to find useful:

1. Learning Centers/ Tutoring – Does the campus have learning centers for specific classes?  Is free tutoring available?
2. Study Abroad – Does the campus support short-term or semester-long opportunities to study in another country?
3. Co-Op – Does the campus have a formal co-op program which allows students to alternate school and work and gain professional experience?
4. Club Sports – Does the campus have a program where students can compete on athletic clubs against students from other schools?  These are different from scholarship sports.
5. Honors – Does the campus have a program to support students with outstanding academic achievements?
6. Mentorship – Does the campus have a formal program which connects students with mentors who can support them academically and in career development?
7. Career Services – Does the campus career service function support students from all majors?
8. Parent Support – Does the campus have a formal program that supports parents?
9. Health Services – What health services are provided on campus?
10. Counseling – Is there support for students in such areas as test anxiety, grieving, depression, and similar services where students need a professional person to talk to?
11. Scholars Office – Is there a program to prepare you to vie for major scholarships, fellowships, or awards?
12. Special Interest Groups – Does the campus have groups designated for students with like backgrounds based upon race, sexual orientation, nationality, or other identification characteristics?
13. Disability Services – Is there an office that supports students with a mental or physical challenge? 

While you may not have an interest in all of these programs, some of them could be very helpful to you.  A note of caution: Don’t accept what’s on the university’s website as being an accurate portrayal of what the program is really like.  You would be advised to in talk with a current student about his/her experience with the program.  Universities have a tendency to overhype the programs that are available to students. .