Hey all! The time of frequent vacations is coming up and college visits are great to do during this time. Here are my tips on having a successful college visit.
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V - View the newspaper - The student newspaper gives a great idea as to what that college is all about. It shows the issues that matter to the students, as well as, opportunities to get involved. Our newspaper, The Octagon, has a news, entertainment, academic, and letter-to-the-editor section. The campus newspaper gives a good overlay of how campus runs and shows you whether that style fits you.
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I - Interview - Take the interview seriously! Even if your admissions counselor tells you that it will be a relaxed atmosphere, still treat it as something important. Oftentimes the college's Admissions Office will tell you not to get too dressed up, but remember that you do not want to go in there wearing sweatpants and a hoodie; that is not a good first impression. Also, really think about your answers when they ask questions. Compose yourself and make sure you sound articulate but not rehearsed. Most importantly, BE YOURSELF!
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S - Sit in a class - Oftentimes you can get it arranged where you can pair up with a student and go sit in on a class. (At Elmira College, this happens when you schedule your Overnight visit.) This is really important because you will see how your potential classes will be structured. For example, if you want the professor to know you name and that your favorite band is Pink Floyd (Hypothetically), you will want to attend a smaller college so that your classes contain fewer students. If you know that you only want to be taught in lectures with limited interaction with your professors then a larger university would fit you. The purpose of a visit is to see if the school fits your learning style, so sitting in on a class will accomplish that.
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I - Initiate questions - Go to the visit prepared with questions! Even if they are standard questions that everyone asks, you may get a more in-depth answer from your tour guide than from the brochures. Also, your tour guide will be able to give the student perspective. Do not think that a question is silly because chances are the tour guide had the same question during their visit. It is a good idea to take notes during your tour about the things you saw and heard that captured your interest. It is probable that you will forget the information you hear on tours, so this will help when it is time to narrow your schools down. Write down what you like, what you want to know more about, and even what you did not like so that you can see if those 'cons' weigh more than the 'pros.'
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T - T-shirt - Finally, visit the campus bookstore for fun! You will see what they provide there and what you may need to go off-campus for. Also, after all of that walking around the campus and listening to information sessions, reward yourself with a nice t-shirt from the college! (Go for the purple shirt (= ).
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Hope this helps everyone and hope you all have a great Thanksgiving!
