Academics : Making A Campus Visit
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Hints for your visit
- Plan your visit in advance; call the admissions office and schedule a tour. Let them know you are there and that you are interested! If you simply peruse the surroundings on your own, the admissions office will not know you exist! The more contact you have with them, the more interest they show in you!
- Visit while school is in session – try to talk with as many students as possible.
- Plan an overnight visit.
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Areas to examine
- Surroundings and atmosphere – housing, security, cafeteria
- Libraries and research facilities
- Departments of interest (i.e. Music, Biology, English)
- Student life
- Classes
- Extracurricular activities
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If you are going on an interview – be prepared to answer questions concerning the following:
- Your scholastic standing – grades, grade point average, and rank in class
- Your course work – what are you currently studying? What subjects you like and dislike?
- Extracurricular activities – sports, clubs, part-time jobs, summer work, etc.
- Personal interests – hobbies
- Plans for the future – what do you hope to study? Why?
- Reason for choosing their school – make sure you review their university! Go online, send for a course catalog, talk to students you know who attend that school – you need to let the admission counselor (the interviewer) know that you are seriously interested in attending that college!
Pay attention to the times when admissions counselors take the initiative and extend themselves to meet you! For instance, college fairs and lunch visits. Numerous times throughout the year there are college fairs being held, this is an excellent way to explore some of your options and talk with representatives. Also, colleges make appointments to set up tables during the lunch periods. This is the easiest way to talk to a representative!