College Visits/Campus Interviews
When you go on your college visit, make sure to call in advance to tell them you’re coming. It lets them know that you’re making the effort to see their school. Whether it’s 300 miles or 3000 miles away, it flatters them. Sign up for a campus tour as well as an interview with someone in admissions. If you’re interested in drama, a sport, a particular program of study…make sure to speak with someone in that department too. If you’re an athlete, be prepared in case the coach asks for a sports resume or a tape, but don’t be presumptuous and give it when he hasn’t asked for it. Have it tucked in your bag or your mom’s purse. You don’t want to appear overly confident. You can also let him know that you can send him anything if you don’t want to lug it around.
If you decide to go on your own tour around campus (you don’t feel like doing the entire scheduled tour, or the timing doesn’t fit with your schedule), take notes on the unique qualities of the school. The weather, the buildings, etc don’t need to go in this group of notes. Notice the kiosks…what are the papers and flyers saying…are they very politically focused, are they talking about the upcoming concerts, upcoming sports games, lectures, are they about topics such as racism, gay/lesbian issues, is religion predominant, or is everything very Greek (sorority/fraternity) focused? Can you get a feel for the student body walking around…or does everyone seem to be in the library? Does it feel southern? eastern? midwestern? Do the students seem sophisticated? Too dressed up or too casual? Do you see teachers walking around or giving outdoor classes? Do you like the food in the eating halls/food centers? Does it seem healthy or is it all fast food? Are there good options? Do students stay on campus on the weekends or is it more of a commuter school? Are the athletic facilities close to the student dorms?
These questions will help you to distinguish between schools. You may see 8 schools with brick buildings, green grass, and great weather…be able to go beyond those descriptions.