Tips for a Successful College Visit

Visiting Colleges Over Winter Break? Read on for helpful hints and smart suggestions…

Remember all the guidelines we’ve talked about regarding successful visits: ask for the business card of Admission Representatives you talk with; shake hands; introduce yourself, and then introduce your parent(s) rather than having Mom or Dad introduce themselves; and – most importantly – have a list of prepared questions ready. The following, compiled by the Colleges That Change Lives consortium, is yet another list of great questions to ask to find a good college fit:

ON THE ACADEMIC ENVIRONMENT
· Do faculty members hold students to high standards?
· How much time do students spend on work outside of class?
· What type of evaluations (exams, papers) do faculty members use most often?
· How do students receive feedback on academic work, and how often do they receive it?
· Do students work together on projects?
· How often are students required to do presentations in class?
· Are faculty members easily accessible?
· How often and how many students work on research projects with faculty?
· How often do students discuss ideas in class?
· Is there a required first-year program and a culminating senior year experience?
· Are students able to easily access courses outside their major?

ON THE CAMPUS ENVIRONMENT
· Do students and faculty serve together on campus committees?
· How many students participate in community-based service projects?
· How easily is it to be involved in student leadership activities?
· How many students study abroad?
· What do most students do for fun?
· Are there opportunities for spiritual activities?
· Are activities in fine arts, music and theatre limited to students majoring in these areas?
· What percentage of students are involved in athletics or intramural sports?

ON CAMPUS RESOURCES
· What types of financial aid and academic scholarships are available? Are they renewable each year?
· Who assists students with course selection and career advising? How often does this happen?
· How accessible are library and technological services?
· What safety/security services are available and how often do students use them?
· What health and personal counseling services are available?
· What career planning and job placement services and/or internship experiences are available? How early can these services be accessed? What data is available on graduate and professional school enrollment and job placement for students?