Many high school students travel the country and tour colleges during the summer months. Families can do a few things to get the most out of their visits. These tips are helpful not to ensure students can get into a college but to ensure it is the right fit.
When you visit a college campus, scheduling an official tour with the admissions office is critical. The office is, by definition, meant to serve as the primary point of contact for interested students, providing valuable information on programs, tuition, and scholarships, and evaluating applications. Meeting prospective students is their job.
This outreach is helpful for two different reasons. First, meeting with an admissions officer can help connect you with resources to help you better decide. An admissions officer might, for example, have information on classes and scholarships that are not readily available on the website. They might also be able to connect you with others who can support you on your journey — whether that be faculty, alums, or current students.
The second reason is to establish demonstrated interest. Many colleges track students’ demonstrated interest to ensure students will accept when admitted. By scheduling an official tour, you demonstrate your interest and make yourself a more compelling candidate.
Also contacting someone within your prospective major’s department can be beneficial. Try meeting with a student or faculty member and learn more about internships, study abroad programs, research opportunities, etc. During your visit, read the bulletin boards, pick up the campus newspaper, and pay attention to the advertisements from student life. Do the viewpoints and opportunities align with your interests?.
Finally, a college visit lets you see the surrounding area and if it matches your ideal college experience. Do you want to enjoy vibrant city life or prefer nature and rural vistas? Do you want your campus to be within walking distance of a grocery store, bank, and other essentials, or are you comfortable driving or taking public transportation? How far is the airport or train station from campus? Will you have access to professors and opportunities for research or internships? Remember, the goal is to secure a solid job upon graduation, and opportunities in college will impact that.
For more information on college admissions and a complimentary consultation, contact Shawn Coats at (602) 647-8347, email scoats@class101.com, or visit class101.com/mesagilbert