Post-Visit
- Journal – Jot down some notes after each college visit. Write down your impression
of the school, what you liked/disliked, things that stand out in your mind. After you
visit several schools you’ll have trouble keeping all those details straight and the
more you can remember about each visit, the better, when it comes time to make
a final decision about which school to attend.
- Thank You Notes – Take the time to write a personal note to anyone you meet on
your visit: admission counselors, professors, students, etc.
----------------------------------------
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Thursday, February 19, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
College Visits - Part IV
Things To Notice On Campus (And Off, Too)
- Residence Halls – Where you live is a pretty big part of the college experience.
Most schools require freshman to live on campus (unless you’re a commuter) so you
should get a good sense of your housing options.
- Dining Facilities – Do you have lots of choices where you will eat your meals? How
does the meal plan work? If you have dietary restrictions (kosher, vegetarian, vegan,
etc.) will you eat well or starve?
- Library – Chances are you’re going to need to do some studying while you’re in
college, so it’s a good idea to check out the library. Is it state-of-the-art and hightech
or is it as ancient and archaic as all those books you’re going to read?
- Athletic Center – If you’re an athlete, this is a must. If you work out occasionally or
just want to root your team on to victory, you’ll still want to see what the athletic
center is like.
- Student Center – This can be the main center for student activity on campus. Is it
vibrant and full of energy or as quiet as the library? The student center can give you
a good sense of campus life.
- Quadrangles – Check out the quads or other student hang-out spots. If you don’t
know where to find them, ask your tour guide.
- Surrounding Area – You will probably spend time off-campus as well, so check out
the area around the school. You may ultimately move off campus, so consider those
housing options, too. Where do students shop? Eat? Play?
----------------------------------------
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- Residence Halls – Where you live is a pretty big part of the college experience.
Most schools require freshman to live on campus (unless you’re a commuter) so you
should get a good sense of your housing options.
- Dining Facilities – Do you have lots of choices where you will eat your meals? How
does the meal plan work? If you have dietary restrictions (kosher, vegetarian, vegan,
etc.) will you eat well or starve?
- Library – Chances are you’re going to need to do some studying while you’re in
college, so it’s a good idea to check out the library. Is it state-of-the-art and hightech
or is it as ancient and archaic as all those books you’re going to read?
- Athletic Center – If you’re an athlete, this is a must. If you work out occasionally or
just want to root your team on to victory, you’ll still want to see what the athletic
center is like.
- Student Center – This can be the main center for student activity on campus. Is it
vibrant and full of energy or as quiet as the library? The student center can give you
a good sense of campus life.
- Quadrangles – Check out the quads or other student hang-out spots. If you don’t
know where to find them, ask your tour guide.
- Surrounding Area – You will probably spend time off-campus as well, so check out
the area around the school. You may ultimately move off campus, so consider those
housing options, too. Where do students shop? Eat? Play?
----------------------------------------
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Thursday, February 12, 2009
College Visits - Part III
Ask Questions To…
- Students – It’s okay to walk up to random students and ask them about their
experiences. This is the best way to get candid answers to your toughest questions.
Don’t you want to know why students chose this school and if they are happy to be
there?
- Tour Guide – Ask your tour guide questions that are best answered by a current
student: What do you do fun? What are classes really like? Why did you choose this
school? What would you change, if you could? What are your post-graduation plans?
What did you do last Saturday night?
- Admissions Office – Ask admission counselors questions about academics,
the application process, admission rates, etc. Don’t ask admission counselors any
questions to which you can easily find the answer on a website or in printed literature.
For instance, don’t ask if the school offers a marine biology major. You should have
researched that yourself before you set foot on campus.
- Others – While you’re on campus consider meeting with coaches, faculty members,
the financial aid office, deans, etc. Depending upon the size of the school and your
individual talents, you should try to meet with all the relevant folks. Questions will
obviously vary based on who you are able to meet.
----------------------------------------
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- Students – It’s okay to walk up to random students and ask them about their
experiences. This is the best way to get candid answers to your toughest questions.
Don’t you want to know why students chose this school and if they are happy to be
there?
- Tour Guide – Ask your tour guide questions that are best answered by a current
student: What do you do fun? What are classes really like? Why did you choose this
school? What would you change, if you could? What are your post-graduation plans?
What did you do last Saturday night?
- Admissions Office – Ask admission counselors questions about academics,
the application process, admission rates, etc. Don’t ask admission counselors any
questions to which you can easily find the answer on a website or in printed literature.
For instance, don’t ask if the school offers a marine biology major. You should have
researched that yourself before you set foot on campus.
- Others – While you’re on campus consider meeting with coaches, faculty members,
the financial aid office, deans, etc. Depending upon the size of the school and your
individual talents, you should try to meet with all the relevant folks. Questions will
obviously vary based on who you are able to meet.
----------------------------------------
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Wednesday, February 11, 2009
College Visits - Part II
The Campus Visit
- Information Session – Generally schools offer a group session in which an admission
counselor (and sometimes a faculty member and current student) discusses basic
information about the school. The presentation is often followed by a question-and answer
session so it’s a great opportunity to learn more about the school.
- Tour – Typically tours are given by current students. Depending on the size of the
campus, the tour can last anywhere from 45 minutes to well over two hours. This is
your best opportunity to get a guided tour of the school. You might even have the
chance to see residence halls and dining facilities.
- Interview – Some schools offer prospective freshmen (that’s you) the chance to
interview during a campus visit. Determine if you can interview while you are on
campus and knock out a couple of birds with one stone.
- Observing Classes – You might be thinking why on earth would I want to sit in on a
class when I’ve planned this whole trip to get out of going to class. Point well taken,
but don’t you want to get a glimpse of what college classes will be like? You don’t
have to stay for the entire class — sit in the back and try to observe for a short time.
Note the interaction between students and faculty and get a feel for college classes.
- Food – Explore the different on-campus food options. You’ll probably end up visiting
over lunch or dinner anyway, so you may as well try out the food while you’re there.
Some schools will even give you a meal on them. Who can pass up free food?
- Staying Overnight – Schools are going to have widely varying policies on the
overnight visit. If you know a current student and can stay with a friend while you’re
visiting, that’s always a good idea. Also, you may be able to arrange a visit through
the admission office. The overnight visit is one of the best ways to really and truly
experience a school. You’ll get to see the campus without parents and get a feel for
what “real” students do.
- Special Visit Days/Weekends – Almost every college and university offers special
visit days/weekends. This can be a great time to visit campus. Just think, you’ll get
to meet tons of potential classmates. Pay attention to your
----------------------------------------
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- Information Session – Generally schools offer a group session in which an admission
counselor (and sometimes a faculty member and current student) discusses basic
information about the school. The presentation is often followed by a question-and answer
session so it’s a great opportunity to learn more about the school.
- Tour – Typically tours are given by current students. Depending on the size of the
campus, the tour can last anywhere from 45 minutes to well over two hours. This is
your best opportunity to get a guided tour of the school. You might even have the
chance to see residence halls and dining facilities.
- Interview – Some schools offer prospective freshmen (that’s you) the chance to
interview during a campus visit. Determine if you can interview while you are on
campus and knock out a couple of birds with one stone.
- Observing Classes – You might be thinking why on earth would I want to sit in on a
class when I’ve planned this whole trip to get out of going to class. Point well taken,
but don’t you want to get a glimpse of what college classes will be like? You don’t
have to stay for the entire class — sit in the back and try to observe for a short time.
Note the interaction between students and faculty and get a feel for college classes.
- Food – Explore the different on-campus food options. You’ll probably end up visiting
over lunch or dinner anyway, so you may as well try out the food while you’re there.
Some schools will even give you a meal on them. Who can pass up free food?
- Staying Overnight – Schools are going to have widely varying policies on the
overnight visit. If you know a current student and can stay with a friend while you’re
visiting, that’s always a good idea. Also, you may be able to arrange a visit through
the admission office. The overnight visit is one of the best ways to really and truly
experience a school. You’ll get to see the campus without parents and get a feel for
what “real” students do.
- Special Visit Days/Weekends – Almost every college and university offers special
visit days/weekends. This can be a great time to visit campus. Just think, you’ll get
to meet tons of potential classmates. Pay attention to your
----------------------------------------
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-Get a copy for $0.99
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
College Visits - Part I
Prior to Arrival
-Research – Before you make hotel reservations and start buying plane tickets, spend
time doing some serious research. Visiting colleges takes time, money, enthusiasm
and a sense of humor. It would be impossible to visit every college you are remotely
considering, so get organized, do your research and visit those schools that will help
you reach your ultimate goal — admission to your first choice school.
- Where To Visit, Part 1– If you are considering applying to any school early decision,
you must plan a visit to campus. How can you sign on the dotted line that you will
attend this school, if admitted, when you’ve never even seen the place?
- Where To Visit, Part 2 – If you are undecided and overwhelmed by all of the college
options available to you, it can help to visit a few schools to get a sense of what you
like/dislike. Visiting a large state school, a small liberal arts college and an urban
campus can give you different pictures of what college can be like. Even if you
ultimately decide against applying to any of these schools you visited for research
purposes, the time will be well spent if the visits help you determine the places you
would like to be.
- Schedule Your Visit, Part 1 – Contact the admission office, via the phone or web,
to schedule your visit. Admission offices want to know that you are coming to visit
so they can help you make the most of your visit. It would be a shame to plan an
entire visit and not realize the admission office is closed for the day. Plan ahead!
- Schedule Your Visit, Part 2 – It is best to visit campus when school is in session
and students are not frantically preparing for final exams. Summer is a popular
time to visit colleges, but remember that the campus won’t be buzzing with normal
activities or current students over the summer months.
- Coordinate Multiple Visits – Let’s say you’ve decided to visit Ultimate University,
your first choice school. It would be smart while you’re in Ultimate City, or on your
way to Ultimate City (if you’re driving), to also visit a couple other schools. Make
the most of your travels and try to see as many schools as you can, especially for
comparison sake.
----------------------------------------
-Read Getting To The Quad for FREE - Online
-Get a copy for $0.99
-Research – Before you make hotel reservations and start buying plane tickets, spend
time doing some serious research. Visiting colleges takes time, money, enthusiasm
and a sense of humor. It would be impossible to visit every college you are remotely
considering, so get organized, do your research and visit those schools that will help
you reach your ultimate goal — admission to your first choice school.
- Where To Visit, Part 1– If you are considering applying to any school early decision,
you must plan a visit to campus. How can you sign on the dotted line that you will
attend this school, if admitted, when you’ve never even seen the place?
- Where To Visit, Part 2 – If you are undecided and overwhelmed by all of the college
options available to you, it can help to visit a few schools to get a sense of what you
like/dislike. Visiting a large state school, a small liberal arts college and an urban
campus can give you different pictures of what college can be like. Even if you
ultimately decide against applying to any of these schools you visited for research
purposes, the time will be well spent if the visits help you determine the places you
would like to be.
- Schedule Your Visit, Part 1 – Contact the admission office, via the phone or web,
to schedule your visit. Admission offices want to know that you are coming to visit
so they can help you make the most of your visit. It would be a shame to plan an
entire visit and not realize the admission office is closed for the day. Plan ahead!
- Schedule Your Visit, Part 2 – It is best to visit campus when school is in session
and students are not frantically preparing for final exams. Summer is a popular
time to visit colleges, but remember that the campus won’t be buzzing with normal
activities or current students over the summer months.
- Coordinate Multiple Visits – Let’s say you’ve decided to visit Ultimate University,
your first choice school. It would be smart while you’re in Ultimate City, or on your
way to Ultimate City (if you’re driving), to also visit a couple other schools. Make
the most of your travels and try to see as many schools as you can, especially for
comparison sake.
----------------------------------------
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Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Interviewing for College - Part III
The following is from Getting To The Quad
Do’s And Don’ts
Do Come Prepared – Before your interview spend some time researching the school.
Learn basic information about the institution so that you don’t need to spend time
asking those questions of your interviewer. Formulate several questions that you
can ask. Remember, an interview isn’t just about being asked questions, it’s about
asking them too.
Do Arrive On Time – It would be a shame to start an otherwise fantastic interview
off on the wrong foot. No one likes to be made to wait for someone else, so make
sure to get there with time to spare. Know where you’re going and when you need
to be there.
Do Dress Appropriately – Think business casual. You are a high school student, after
all, so wearing a three-piece suit will look ridiculous. A nice outfit, even a clean pair
of jeans and nice top would be appropriate. Something along the lines of what you
would wear to the theater (not the movie variety) or a nice dinner would fit the bill.
Do Come Ready To Chat – The whole purpose of an interview is to have a
conversation. If you engage the interviewer and dive head first into the questions
he/she poses, your interview will be more of a conversation (good) and less of a
question-and-answer session (bad).
Do Ask Questions – A good interview will involve a nice give-and-take, a volleying
of questions and answers by both the interviewer and the interviewee.
Do Engage The Interviewer – Find some way to connect. An interviewer may
interview numerous students in a row, so it is important to find a positive way to
stand out. If you are able to connect with your interviewer by finding some sort of
common ground, whether it be a love of sports, art or movie, you will best make
yourself memorable.
Do Write A Thank You Note – After the interview, write a personal note to the
interviewer. This small touch can have big gains for you. Even if the interview is
average, at least the interviewer will remember that you have good manners.
Don’t Have An Interview If You Aren’t Interested In The School – If you have no
interest in your dad’s alma mater, don’t waste the interviewer’s time by scheduling
an interview. Your disinterest will be immediately obvious and the interview will be
a bomb.
Don’t Have An Interview If You Are Painfully Shy Or Unbelievably Uncomfortable
Around Strangers – You know who you are. If the thought of chatting with a
stranger makes you want to run to the hills, do yourself and the interviewer a favor
and think twice about having an interview. Remember, at most schools interviews
are optional, so a negative interview can be extremely detrimental.
Don’t Chew Gum – Even if you are the daintiest gum chewer or a world class
bubble blower, when you get nervous, you’re going to chew like a farm animal and
subconsciously blow bubbles. Spit the gum out before your interview.
Don’t Interrupt – No one likes to be interrupted. If you are nervous or get really
excited during the interview you might start to interrupt your interviewer. Don’t do
it — it’s rude.
Don’t Wear Apparel From Another University – Tsk tsk, how could you wear a
Michigan sweatshirt to your Ohio State interview?! Eeek!
Don’t Wear Anything Provocative – If you don’t want to create an uncomfortable
situation, leave that skimpy top, mini-skirt or other risqué clothing at home. You’re
interviewing for college, not hitting the clubs.
----------------------------------------
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-Get a copy for $0.99
Do’s And Don’ts
Do Come Prepared – Before your interview spend some time researching the school.
Learn basic information about the institution so that you don’t need to spend time
asking those questions of your interviewer. Formulate several questions that you
can ask. Remember, an interview isn’t just about being asked questions, it’s about
asking them too.
Do Arrive On Time – It would be a shame to start an otherwise fantastic interview
off on the wrong foot. No one likes to be made to wait for someone else, so make
sure to get there with time to spare. Know where you’re going and when you need
to be there.
Do Dress Appropriately – Think business casual. You are a high school student, after
all, so wearing a three-piece suit will look ridiculous. A nice outfit, even a clean pair
of jeans and nice top would be appropriate. Something along the lines of what you
would wear to the theater (not the movie variety) or a nice dinner would fit the bill.
Do Come Ready To Chat – The whole purpose of an interview is to have a
conversation. If you engage the interviewer and dive head first into the questions
he/she poses, your interview will be more of a conversation (good) and less of a
question-and-answer session (bad).
Do Ask Questions – A good interview will involve a nice give-and-take, a volleying
of questions and answers by both the interviewer and the interviewee.
Do Engage The Interviewer – Find some way to connect. An interviewer may
interview numerous students in a row, so it is important to find a positive way to
stand out. If you are able to connect with your interviewer by finding some sort of
common ground, whether it be a love of sports, art or movie, you will best make
yourself memorable.
Do Write A Thank You Note – After the interview, write a personal note to the
interviewer. This small touch can have big gains for you. Even if the interview is
average, at least the interviewer will remember that you have good manners.
Don’t Have An Interview If You Aren’t Interested In The School – If you have no
interest in your dad’s alma mater, don’t waste the interviewer’s time by scheduling
an interview. Your disinterest will be immediately obvious and the interview will be
a bomb.
Don’t Have An Interview If You Are Painfully Shy Or Unbelievably Uncomfortable
Around Strangers – You know who you are. If the thought of chatting with a
stranger makes you want to run to the hills, do yourself and the interviewer a favor
and think twice about having an interview. Remember, at most schools interviews
are optional, so a negative interview can be extremely detrimental.
Don’t Chew Gum – Even if you are the daintiest gum chewer or a world class
bubble blower, when you get nervous, you’re going to chew like a farm animal and
subconsciously blow bubbles. Spit the gum out before your interview.
Don’t Interrupt – No one likes to be interrupted. If you are nervous or get really
excited during the interview you might start to interrupt your interviewer. Don’t do
it — it’s rude.
Don’t Wear Apparel From Another University – Tsk tsk, how could you wear a
Michigan sweatshirt to your Ohio State interview?! Eeek!
Don’t Wear Anything Provocative – If you don’t want to create an uncomfortable
situation, leave that skimpy top, mini-skirt or other risqué clothing at home. You’re
interviewing for college, not hitting the clubs.
----------------------------------------
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Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Interviewing for College - Part II
The following is from Getting To The Quad
Mandatory v. Optional Interviews
Some institutions, especially smaller colleges that draw from a more local population,
require interviews. Other schools require interviews for certain majors or fields of
study. The vast majority of schools encourage students to have interviews, either
on or off-campus. If a school offers interviews, it is in your best interest to take
advantage of this opportunity. While you cannot be penalized for not interviewing,
you can certainly augment your application by having an interview.
More posted tomorrow
----------------------------------------
-Read Getting To The Quad for FREE - Online
-Get a copy for $0.99
Mandatory v. Optional Interviews
Some institutions, especially smaller colleges that draw from a more local population,
require interviews. Other schools require interviews for certain majors or fields of
study. The vast majority of schools encourage students to have interviews, either
on or off-campus. If a school offers interviews, it is in your best interest to take
advantage of this opportunity. While you cannot be penalized for not interviewing,
you can certainly augment your application by having an interview.
More posted tomorrow
----------------------------------------
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-Get a copy for $0.99
Monday, February 2, 2009
Interviewing for College - Part I
The following is from Getting To The Quad
Purpose Of Interview
The interview is your opportunity to allow the admission committee to learn things
about you that they may not be able to find anywhere else on your application. It
is your forum to discuss the topics you care about, convey various aspects of your
personality and really “sell yourself” to the admission committee. Honestly, don’t we
all come across better in person than on paper?
Informative Or Evaluative?
Interviews are informative, evaluative or a combination
of both. The interviewer wants to learn as much as possible about you in the short
time you have together. But remember, it is also an opportunity for you to learn
about the school from a person who has firsthand experience.
On Or Off Campus?
Interviews are generally held on-campus with an admission
counselor, current student or another member of the university community (professor,
dean, advisor, staff member). Off-campus interviews are usually performed by
university alumni who have received widely varying levels of preparation. Typically
both types of interviews “count” the same for the admission process.
More posted tomorrow
Some helpful links
----------------------------------------
-Read Getting To The Quad for FREE - Online
-Get a copy for $0.99
Purpose Of Interview
The interview is your opportunity to allow the admission committee to learn things
about you that they may not be able to find anywhere else on your application. It
is your forum to discuss the topics you care about, convey various aspects of your
personality and really “sell yourself” to the admission committee. Honestly, don’t we
all come across better in person than on paper?
Informative Or Evaluative?
Interviews are informative, evaluative or a combination
of both. The interviewer wants to learn as much as possible about you in the short
time you have together. But remember, it is also an opportunity for you to learn
about the school from a person who has firsthand experience.
On Or Off Campus?
Interviews are generally held on-campus with an admission
counselor, current student or another member of the university community (professor,
dean, advisor, staff member). Off-campus interviews are usually performed by
university alumni who have received widely varying levels of preparation. Typically
both types of interviews “count” the same for the admission process.
More posted tomorrow
Some helpful links
----------------------------------------
-Read Getting To The Quad for FREE - Online
-Get a copy for $0.99
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