COLLEGE visits

In the college admissions game, finding a great match is a two-way street. While you and your peers are in search of schools that will meet your needs, standards, and interests, universities also eagerly seek out students who might be a good fit.

Students have a chance to meet face-to-face with a rep and ask specific questions and gain first-hand information about the institution while connecting with the admissions officers face-to-face.

Students can let the college know they are seriously interested.

In many cases, the reps are admission officers from the college, so students have a unique opportunity to make contact with a person who may be evaluating their application in the future.

The meeting provides students with a specific contact at the college to whom they can send questions.

Sometimes reps, particularly ones from state universities, will give an early read on students' transcripts, test scores, and course selections during their visits. This helps students assess their fit at that institution and figure out what they can do to improve their chances of getting in.

A campus visit is your opportunity to get a firsthand view of a college. A college catalog or website can only show you so much. To get a feel for the school, you should walk around the quad, sit in on a class, and visit the dorms.

Learn the basic layout of the campus.

Learn about the amenities offered to students.

Ask questions to the tour guides - these are ALWAYS students.  They give a first-hand view based on their experiences.

Sample questions you may ask:

• • How large are the general education required classes (ENC1101, ENC1102, College Algebra, American History, etc)?

  • How does a freshman get assigned an academic advisor?

  • Are there free tutoring services on campus?

  • Can freshmen have cars on campus?

  • Do most students live on campus?

  • What are the dorms like? Are there lounges, laundry, and kitchens? Shared or private restrooms?

  • How is the food?

  • Can undergraduates work with professors on research?

  • Do a lot of students belong to fraternities or sororities?

  • Is it easy to get around campus or get off campus without a car?

  • What transportation options are there around campus?

  • Is it a safe area to walk around at night? What kind of safety measures are in place?

  • Do many students work on or off campus? How easy is it to find a part-time job?