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Four Tips for Successful College Visits
You've graduated high school and are ready to take the next step. Or, are you? Choosing the college you attend is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make, but there are ways to ensure that you're making the right choice for yourself. Once you've narrowed down your list of potential universities, you should visit each of them and compare notes. Here's a list of questions to take along with you.
1. What is the school like for freshmen? For example, if first-year students live in dorms, are advisers readily available to help make your transition easier? What about academics - do all freshmen get assigned to a student adviser? What level of teacher leads freshman classrooms? Are the class sizes small enough to allow for inclusion?
2. What is the complete cost of obtaining your degree? Ask what financial aid programs would be at your disposal and how to go about applying for them. You should also inquire about job opportunities within the university and keep your eye open locally for student employment.
3. What is the quality of life for students within the community? Is it a walking town or would you need a car. If so, how is the parking situation? Are laundry facilities abundant? Grocery shopping and restaurants? Is there plenty to do on weekends?
4. Press the college for graduation statistics. For example, how many students find work in their field of study right after college? Does the university offer any alumni support or internships?
Don't be afraid to find students and ask them any remaining questions you may have. They may give you a different view of things like how easy (or difficult) it is to meet with faculty or get into the classes you want. They can also give you an idea on what dorm to choose, which cafeteria meal plan is practical and what social events to look forward to throughout the year.
After you return home, your decision-making process should go a lot smoother. You've walked the campus, seen the facilities, spoken to administrators and picked the brain of a student or two. Good luck!
1. What is the school like for freshmen? For example, if first-year students live in dorms, are advisers readily available to help make your transition easier? What about academics - do all freshmen get assigned to a student adviser? What level of teacher leads freshman classrooms? Are the class sizes small enough to allow for inclusion?
2. What is the complete cost of obtaining your degree? Ask what financial aid programs would be at your disposal and how to go about applying for them. You should also inquire about job opportunities within the university and keep your eye open locally for student employment.
3. What is the quality of life for students within the community? Is it a walking town or would you need a car. If so, how is the parking situation? Are laundry facilities abundant? Grocery shopping and restaurants? Is there plenty to do on weekends?
4. Press the college for graduation statistics. For example, how many students find work in their field of study right after college? Does the university offer any alumni support or internships?
Don't be afraid to find students and ask them any remaining questions you may have. They may give you a different view of things like how easy (or difficult) it is to meet with faculty or get into the classes you want. They can also give you an idea on what dorm to choose, which cafeteria meal plan is practical and what social events to look forward to throughout the year.
After you return home, your decision-making process should go a lot smoother. You've walked the campus, seen the facilities, spoken to administrators and picked the brain of a student or two. Good luck!
About the Author:
Julie Clark Robinson is a staff writer for an educational guidance center which develops online college and online degree websites.