1. Select the colleges you wish to visit: Try to narrow your list to 4-5 colleges you plan to visit based on the following criteria: large, small, two-year, four-year, distance from home, private, public, etc. Doing extensive research about each college as you compile your list could prevent visits to colleges that aren’t right for you.
2.
Decide whom you want to meet
when you visit a campus: By meeting as
many people as possible while on campus, you will have a better understanding
of the college and what is has to offer.
Some people to see are:
admissions staff, financial aid officers, academic departments, coaches,
performing arts coordinators, etc. BE
SURE to include students on your list.
3.
Schedule your
appointments: Make arrangements to meet
with people in each office and/or department you wish to speak with while
visiting campus. You may not be able to
see a person without prior arrangements.
Confirm your appointment and where they are located 1-3 days before your
visit. Don’t forget to request a tour,
eat on campus and arrange time to meet current students.
4.
Compile your credentials: Gather together an unofficial transcript and
ACT and/or SAT scores from your high school guidance office, information about
all your activities and/or work experiences, a list of honors and awards you
have received, etc. Be sure to take
these items with you.
5.
Create a list of
questions: It’s easy to forget what you
want to ask when you are in an interview.
A list of questions makes you appear more organized, well prepared for
your meeting and you won’t forget what issues are most important to you. Remember to take a pen and paper to make
notes during your interviews.
6.
Know proper etiquette: To make a good impression – be on time,
dress appropriately, use a good firm handshake, address people in a respectful
manner, thank people for their time, etc.
The impression you make may help your application.
7.
Be Yourself: Remember that you want to attend a college
that will fit your personality. Let the
people you meet get to know the “real you” so they can make an honest
evaluation of you and you can see how you really fit.
8.
Collect names and
addresses: Be sure to get the correct
names, addresses, phone numbers, emails, etc. of the important people you
meet. You can write them down or
collect business cards if they are available.
9.
Record your impressions of the
college: Remember you are also
interviewing the college to see if it meets your needs. So, as soon as your visit is complete, take
a few minutes to record what you liked and/or disliked about the college, its
environment, faculty, extracurricular activities, etc. Use these notes to compare colleges you
visit.
10.
Send thank you notes: People truly appreciate being thanked for
the time and services they provide. A
courteous thank you note to each person you met reminds them of your visit,
leaves a positive impression and may even help you be admitted to the college
of your choice.
-Compiled by Davis & Elkins College, Elkins, West
Virginia