College Campus Visits - Part Two
The car is packed, GPS programmed and you are about to set out with your teen on what can be a great opportunity to bond and impart words of wisdom as he or she embarks on their college search. On the other hand without careful planning, knowledge about the process, patience and communication, the campus visit can be needlessly difficult. Here is how to get the most out of your visits.
First, here’s a tip from a seasoned college parent. Put your high school student in the “driver’s seat”. Let them take the lead and ask the questions they need to make an informed choice. Your teens will appreciate you for hanging back a bit and not being the overbearing or dorky parent. Trust me, someone else’s parent will inevitably ask your question, sparing your student the “embarrassment.” That is not to say don’t ask any relevant questions. Just try to relax and enjoy the experience of watching your child take the next step on life’s path.
The two major components of a campus visit are: the information session and the tour. Students need to check with each school to determine the process for scheduling visits and interviews. Many schools require preregistration, which can often be done online.
Campus Information Session: Information sessions and tours generally follow one another and are scheduled throughout the day. Upon arriving on campus, students should sign in at the admissions office. Colleges do keep track of the number and type of contacts students have made with their school. Contacts demonstrate an interest in attending and may make a difference in an admission decision, all other things being equal. It is appropriate to send a thank you note to the information session leader as well as the student tour guide.
The information session lasts about an hour and is conducted by a member of the Admissions staff. An overview is given about the school history, physical facilities, admissions criteria, academic programs, clubs, activities, residential life, academic support and career services, and financial aid. Bring a notebook or checklist to jot down information and impressions. Time is allotted for questions that are appropriate for the entire group verses detailed queries regarding a single student.
Campus Tour: Grab your walking shoes and a camera and you will learn fascinating trivia and more on a campus tour. For example, did you know: The Brown University Band marches backwards through the center of the Van Wickle gates to avoid the superstition that students who pass through the gates won’t graduate? Led by current students the tour is an excellent way to gain a fresh perspective on what campus life is like from a peer. A typical tour includes visits to a residence hall, library, student center, dining facilities, recreational complex, and classroom buildings. Tour guides can be a wealth of knowledge about the social environment, residential life and the rigors of the curriculum. Recognize that since guides formally represent and are trained by the school they may not reflect the perspective of every student.
Other things to see and do while visiting: Here are a few more suggestions of valuable things to do that are not generally included in the information session or tour. Have a meal in the cafeteria to evaluate the food and watch the student interactions. Arrange to sit in on a classroom in a subject of interest and/or meet with a professor. Tour or drive around the surrounding town and area. Read the campus newspaper and bulletin boards. Walk around on your own and talk to students about their experiences.
Depending on the timing of your visit this can also be an ideal time to schedule an interview if offered. Interviews can be optional or a required part of the admissions process, depending on the college. Tips for college interviews are the subject of a future article.
Additional ways to get a glimpse of campuses: Setting a foot on campus is the best way to get a feel for how well you fit, but there are other methods. Sign up for visits from college representatives at your high school. Check out online virtual tours at: www.youniversitytv.com and virtual college fairs at: www.collegeweeklive.com. Attend one of the upcoming spring National College Fairs in Hartford, Boston or Providence. Visit www.nacacnet.org for more information.
Francine Schwartz is the Founder of Pathfinder Counseling LLC. As an Educational Consultant and Certified School Counselor, she has guided numerous families through the college search and selection process. For assistance contact Francine at: 860-460-8829 Article Reprinted from “The Jewish Leader” January 28, 2011
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