6 questions to ask when choosing a beauty school
The other day, I had a student ask me what to look for when visiting a school. Below are some of the suggestions I gave her. Is there anything that I missed? What do you think makes a beauty school a good fit for a student?
I highly recommend visiting as many schools as you can, even if you don’t think you want to go there. After you visit a campus or two, you’ll start to notice differences.
When you visit, be prepared with questions. You’ll be able to get a feel for the place by how the person answers them. If they are straight-forward and offer additional information, they will likely do the same with your education.
Some questions to consider -
- What accreditations does the school have?
To be accredited, a school must pass qualifications of the accrediting organ. You can learn more about accreditations. The schools will be able to tell you who has accredited them. - What financial aid is available, and what are your payment options?
Finances can be an especially good way to evaluate the school’s focus on students. You don’t want them to blow off these questions. This is a commitment, and you need to be sure that you can handle it. - What techniques that you will be taught? How does the school stay on the edge of fashion?
Beauty trends change quickly. While there is a basic skill set that every cosmetology student needs, you need to be sure you will learn about new techniques and products as well. You can learn about different curriculums. - Will you be able to work with a variety of clients?
Schools will have you cut real client’s hair. You want to make sure that you will get experience with a variety of people. You don’t want to cut all middle aged men’s hair, or you won’t get a well-rounded education. Conversely, you don’t just want to do only funky, fashion-forward hair. Any good stylist needs a well-rounded skill set. - What audience do you want to serve professionally?
Your education needs will be different depending upon what your professional goals are. Make sure to ask questions about the area you are most interested in. For example, if you plan to serve an African-American community, you want to make sure you will get in-depth instruction in that area. Additionally, if you want a wide variety, make sure they have programs you are interested in. - What are the other students like?
By talking to students, you’ll be able to get a sense of how happy they are and how the school serves them. You can learn just as much from other students as the formal instruction.
Tags: school
February 21st, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Would qustions about living accommadations be good to ask? Personaly I would like to know, and be more interested in any cosmetology/beauty school that has some kinda student living.
February 21st, 2008 at 3:46 pm
That’s a good point. A lot of students, especially those right out of high school, move in order to go to school. Even if a school doesn’t offer student living, they should at least have an idea of what apartments are nearby and which you should avoid.
February 26th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Housing seems to be one of the prime concerns for new students and affordable housing can be difficult to find.
I often recommend to students to receive a service (a pedicure, massage, scalp treatment) to get a chance to speak with a student and get a feel for the clinic and the work they may be assigned, if nothing else.