Spring break is just around the corner, and many juniors are getting ready to visit potential colleges. Most have signed up for the campus tour and information session, but how can they make the most of the opportunity?
When you sit in as many information sessions as we have, you hear the same questions being asked over and over again: "Do you have study abroad?" "Can I study German and philosophy?" You can answer those questions just be checking the websites, so consider other questions you might ask that will give you a better understanding of the campus culture, the type of students who thrive on campus, the opportunities for women. For example, I always like to ask an admissions rep what type of student feels the most at home on their campus. Are there certain types of students who will "fit" the culture better than others? You already know to ask if the college will recalculate your GPA, but also ask if "demonstrated interest" plays any part in the admissions decision. Some schools do consider if you have visited campus or made other contact with the admissions office when considering your application. They want to know if you are a serious candidate or not. Academically speaking, you also need to know what is required of you and what they're looking for in an applicant. Special note for parents here: let your daughter ask most of the questions. College admissions reps want to hear from students more than parents. Your daughter is the one who is trying to forge a relationship with the school, and she is the one who will be applying to college, so encourage her to speak up and save your questions, if you must ask them, until the end.
When you start your campus tour, don't hang around in the back. Walk up front with the tour guide, so you can strike up a conversation. Ask your tour guide why he or she chose that school? What was it about the college that connected with him/her? Don't worry about sounding like a high school student...YOU ARE! So if you want to know if the campus is friendly or involved, ask. If it is important to you that students support the fine arts or athletics or service, ask. If you want to know how accessible professors are, or if you ever see professors outside of class (like at sporting events, at the dining hall, or at performances), ask. Don't be afraid to ask a student how much time he or she spends studying. Don't hesitate to ask if there are things your guide would want to change about the university. Ask about her favorite classes and her least favorite ones. Ask what campus activities draw the most interest and whether or not the Greek culture rules the social scene. If you're worried about a party culture, ask about that too. Mrs. Goldbach always notices how many students are wearing school sweatshirts or school colors. However, remember that your tour guide is human, and some of them are better than others. If you like a school, don't let one person keep you from finding out more.
After the tour, don't just jump in the car and leave. Hang out in the student center for a few minutes. Inquire about eating in the dining hall (they may give you a guess pass). Read the student newspaper; check out bulletin boards. And when you do leave, drive around the surrounding area. Rather than eat in the cafeteria, you might prefer to eat at a local hang-out (ask the admissions office or a student for recommendations). All of those things will help you understand the college or university a little better.
Take the time to write down your impressions. Take some pictures so you don't get one school confused with another. Then talk the experience through with your parents and/or your counselor. That's what makes a thorough campus visit.
Safe travels!
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