Elder

WHY COLLEGE VISITS: There are many factors involved with college choice – size, location, academic requirements, cost, academic “fit”, etc. Hopefully, you will find many choices that match your interests and needs. How do you narrow this list? One very important way is through the college visit. College is a major investment in your future; you shouldn’t make a decision to attend a particular school without a thorough visit. There is a certain “chemistry” or “intangibles” for each school that can only be experienced through a visit. These visits allow you to check out life on the college campus and whether the college is a good match for you. Equally important, the college has a chance to get to know you. This may be a great advantage in gaining admission to select schools.

WHEN SHOULD YOU VISIT: The ideal time to visit a college campus is when school is in session, when all students are on campus attending classes, when school personnel are available to meet with you to get your questions answered, and certainly when you have a full day to spend in checking out the school. (Please note that for many of you, these ideal conditions will not be possible for any or all of your college visits.) Realistically, summer works best for most of you. While the campus life will be less busy than the regular school year, you should be able to get a “feel” for the college. Also most admissions offices are geared to summer visits.

Also ideal is a second, more in depth, visit to the schools to which you apply and are most interested in attending. This can be done after you apply or after you are accepted before you make your final decision. You may be looking at the college from a clearer perspective at that time.

HOW MANY COLLEGES SHOULD YOU VISIT: This is more difficult to recommend. Everyone’s situation is different. Ideally, before the end of your junior year, you should have established a target list of schools, which meet your criteria. Visit as many of these schools as you realistically can over the summer or in the early fall of your senior year. If your target schools are all very close to home, visiting all of them should be relatively easy. If your list ranges from California to Maine, this may be more difficult. Obviously the more schools you can see, the better comparisons you can make. However, visiting several schools in a short period of time may cause too much confusion. Visits should help you narrow the list of schools to which you actually apply.

WHO SHOULD VISIT: Students and PARENTS, of course.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO FOR A SUCCESSFUL COLLEGE VISIT: You should contact the school in advance to make arrangements for your visit. At the least, you want a campus tour and information sessions. You should also try to set up a one-on-one interview with someone in the admissions office. (Make sure to verify admission procedures at this time).

You may also want to:

Meet with someone in financial aid office
Meet with a coach if you are considering playing a sport in college
Sit in on a class
Meet with a professor in your area of interest
Check out special services (ex. LD tutoring)
Walk around the campus on your own to feel the “chemistry” of the school – talk with students, go to the favorite eating spot, read bulletin boards to see what’s happening on campus, etc.
Check out the dormitory rooms and dining areas

Some questions you want to get answered during a visit:

What are the academic requirements for admission?
Will my choice of major affect my admission?
What is the freshmen retention rate?
What is the graduation rate in four years? Five years?
What is total cost?
What are my chances for scholarship and/or financial aid?
What are my chances for success at this school?
What makes this college a good choice for me?
What courses do typical freshmen take?
What percent of students move on to graduate school?
Which graduate schools have your students attended?
What services are available on campus: - counseling, career planning, tutorial, religious, etc.
What about living arrangements?
What is the average class size?
What about opportunities for students in such areas as: study abroad, internships, research, etc.?

(These are just some suggested questions. You will probably have many more of particular interest to you. Take a written list with you on the visit.)

IF YOU CANNOT VISIT:

Visit the web site. Some offer virtual tours.
Email the admissions office with your questions.
Connect with current students or alums that you know.
Visit with representatives of the colleges who come to Elder.
Look at a video produced by the college. The guidance office has many. Colleges will probably send you a video if you request it.

INTERVIEWS

It is always a good idea to set up an interview with someone from any college you are considering. You may be required to have a formal interview. Your college interview will vary greatly depending on the college:

INFORMAL – meeting with someone in admissions office – primarily as a means of getting your questions answered.

SOMEWHAT FORMAL – Many colleges RECOMMEND an interview as part of the admissions process. This can be with the admissions office, a professor, or someone else on campus. This is an excellent opportunity for the college to learn something about you. The interviewer will ask you questions, and you need to be prepared to put your “best foot forward.” It may be a factor in getting you admitted. It is also a time for you to ask your questions, and you should have some prepared.

FORMAL – Some schools REQUIRE a formal interview as one criterion for admission. This takes place on campus or in this area by an alum.

TIPS FOR INTERVIEWS:

Before the Interview

Preparation is essential! Know yourself and be prepared to discuss who you are: strengths/weaknesses, likes/dislikes, major accomplishments, turning points in your life, influential people.
Feel free to brag – its okay!
Familiarize yourself with the college. Research! Be prepared to explain why you are interested in the school.
Prepare good questions
Obtain a unofficial copy of your transcript and a copy of your resume

During the Interview

Arrive on time. In fact, it is probably good to arrive early, many college admission officers will ask you to compete a questionnaire before the interview.
Greet the representative with a firm handshake and smile. Introduce yourself and your parent(s).
Dress appropriately and smile. Remember first impressions do count. Three simple rules apply: image, neatness and comfort.
Speak directly to the representative. Make eye contact.
Elaborate during the interview. Do not use one word answers.
The following are examples of the types of questions you might be asked in an interview:

1.     Tell me about yourself.

2.     What classes have the enjoyed the most in high school?

3.     Who was your favorite teacher? Why?

4.     What do you like to do with your free time?

5.     Describe a typical day in your life.

6.     What books have you read lately? How have they impacted you?

7.     Whom do you admire? Why?

8.     What attracted you to our college?

9.     What have you done about which you are most proud?

10. When are you at your best? Your worst?

11. If you could change one thing about your high school to make it better, what would you change?

12. How do you see yourself ten years from now?
Relax and be yourself. Most admission representatives know that students are more than what appears on paper. Give the representative the whole picture; talk about your family, goals and outside activities.
Remember to Breathe. A good deep breath will help you relax and think clearly about the interview!