Getting into college is a great achievement, but it is just as important — maybe even more important — to get through college and earn your diploma.

Going to college is a big adjustment, particularly if you are living away from home for the first time, so for many students it is important to find a college that provides lots of support.

Some colleges do better than others in offering services that support students academically, socially, financially, and in other ways. Here are some questions that can help you decide if a college is committed to your success:

1. What is the graduation rate? The proof is in the numbers. This search tool lets you research and compare the percentages of incoming freshmen at four-year institutions who complete their degrees in at least six years.

2. How selective is the school? Generally, highly selective colleges have the highest graduation rates. But some nonselective schools also work hard at helping students succeed. (Find out more about selective colleges.)

3. What support services does the school offer? To find out, ask the admissions officer or search the institution’s Web site under Student Affairs or Student Services. Here are some programs to look for:

• New Student Orientation: This introduction to college life is mandatory on most campuses. For several days before you actually start class, you’ll get to know the school and your classmates, register for classes and take care of other business, take academic placement tests, and have an opportunity to ask about services available to you.
• Freshman Orientation Class: This one- or two-semester extension of New Student Orientation provides an in-depth introduction to the college, its services, and the skills you’ll need to succeed.
  
• Minority Affairs Division: Sometimes called Multicultural or Diversity Affairs, this office helps students take advantage of a range of academic, social, and financial issues and opportunities.
• TRIO Student Support Services: Offered in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education to help students successfully complete their degrees, this program offers instruction in basic study skills; tutoring services; academic, financial, or personal counseling; help in going on to graduate and professional programs; career guidance; mentoring and other services for students with limited English proficiency (LEP); and many other services for students who meet financial and other guidelines.
• Counseling Services: Confidential counseling services help you deal with stress related to academic, financial, and personal issues.
• Academic Support Services: These include academic and faculty advisers; tutors; math, science, reading, and writing labs; time management and study skills programs; and other services that help you handle college-level work.
• Remedial Coursework: Many students who are admitted to a college have to take remedial classes in one or more subjects to get up to speed for college-level work. If your high school grade point average (GPA) is 2.5 (C+) or below, you should plan on enrolling in tutorial/support services to prepare for the challenging classes to come.
• Precollege or Summer Bridge Programs: These experiences offer learning and leadership opportunities for incoming freshmen as well as practical tools for navigating the college admission process.

4. Do classes encourage active learning and contact with faculty? You’re likely to learn more if you have opportunities to participate by asking questions, making presentations, working with other students on community-based projects, and talking with faculty in and outside of class. Ask current students and faculty whether these are available and easily accessible:

• Lower faculty-to-student ratios.
• Smaller class sizes.
• After-class discussion groups or coffeehouses with faculty or older students.
• Opportunities to apply what you’ve learned in college-sponsored programs such as field study projects; campus theatre, student newspaper, band, or other "applied-learning" activities; internships; and community volunteer projects.
• Student organizations focused on your area of academic or career interest.
• Internships that provide real-world work experience.
  

5. Are there plenty of opportunities to meet other students and participate in the college community? You’ll probably want to feel more at home by seeking out students who share your background, interests, and views — but you’ll also benefit by exploring the diversity the campus may offer. A college invested in your success will offer you plenty of opportunities to do both. For example:

• A DC students club that gives you a place to socialize with other students from home.
• National or local sororities and fraternities.
• Clubs focused on the interests of minority students or students of specific nationalities.
• Clubs that bring together students of similar religious or political interests — for example, campus Republican or Democratic groups.
• Clubs that bring together students with similar interests — for example, sports, chess, or music.