A personal visit to a post-secondary institution is often the most useful step in helping students and their parents decide whether or not to apply to a particular school. Students are encouraged to make use of group tours, open house events and group information sessions as a way of obtaining first-hand impressions of schools they have previously researched.
Visits during the regular academic year provide a more accurate view of the academic and social life of a campus, but families often make use of summer vacation to visit several schools that are at a distance. Where possible, it is a good idea to avoid the distortions of registration, final exams and special campus events such as homecomings or festivals. Several high school holidays such as Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day, and February and March vacations, allow students who visit colleges to minimize the disruption to their own academic program.
We are fortunate to have a wide variety of schools right here in Colorado. Colorado College is a good example of a small private school, while a visit to Colorado State University will give you a realistic impression of a large state institution. If traveling out of state to specific schools is not an option, tour the ones right here in our own back yard to get a general sense of the different atmospheres on college campuses. Some families prefer to schedule visits once the student has been notified that they have been admitted. This limits travel and expenditures to those schools being seriously considered.
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How Do You Make Arrangements For a Campus Visit?
- Many schools offer on-line registration for their tours.
- Students can also write or call the admissions office of the college in which they are interested two or three weeks in advance and make arrangements for a personal interview and a tour of campus facilities.
- Some colleges, usually large universities will offer only group interviews. At a few colleges, typically the most competitive schools, you may need to schedule an interview several months in advance.
- Some schools will not be able to grant a personal interview; they rely on alumnae/alumni interviews which are arranged after an application is on file.
- Students should begin planning college visits after they have given considerable thought to their abilities, interests, and career plans.
- They should also consult with the college counselor and utilize the material available in the Guidance Office.
- Some students begin visiting colleges during the spring of their junior year. Others visit campuses during the summer between the junior and senior year. Others prefer to wait until the fall of their senior year. By starting early, the process will fell less stressful.
TIPS TO REVIEW BEFORE GOING TO AN INTERVIEW
- Get name of anyone you talk to when setting up or planning interview
- Get name and title of interviewer for thank you note & follow-up
- Start with your least difficult to get in to schools at least desired
- Prepare answers to anticipated questions
- Prepare questions to ask
- Dress appropriately & be punctual
- Don’t offer any negative information. Don’t apologize. You are the “buyer”
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What Is An Alumni Admissions Interview?
Some colleges don’t give personal interviews to students, but do offer the option of an alumni interview. Colleges are increasingly utilizing alumni in the college admissions process. In some cases on-campus interviews are not granted, but once an application is filed, the student may arrange for an alumni interview. Many Ivy League schools utilize this system.
In other cases, on campus interviews are encouraged, but a student may be unable to arrange a visit. In such cases, the alumni interview may be requested, and is a good alternative. These interviews are arranged through the admissions office and are often conducted at the alumni representative’s home.