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  College Guidebook


THE CAMPUS VISIT AND COLLEGE EVALUATION

 

THE CAMPUS VISIT:

There is no better way to learn about a college or university--the faculty, facilities, spirit, atmosphere, academic environment, student values--than to visit the campus when college is in session rather than depend on a friend or the school's publicity materials.

THE CAMPUS VISIT AS "EDUCATIONAL INSURANCE"

  • You are more likely to choose a college which is "matched" to your needs.
  • You will have an opportunity to evaluate what students wear, how they live, etc.
  • You will be able to observe where you will eat, sleep, study, attend classes, and take part in campus activities.
  • You are likely to do better work if you are in an environment which is congenial to your value system and needs.

 PREPARING FOR A COLLEGE VISIT

  • Arrange for your visit in advance. Avoid being a "drop-in".
  • Many schools have special weekend events and tours.
  • Allow sufficient time for a college visit. (Preferably a full day--not less than half a day at each college)
  • Familiarize yourself with the college catalog/bulletin before you arrive on campus. (Available in the College Counseling Office)
  • Inform the college about your areas of interest, curriculum, activities, etc.
  • Know something about your own high school before visiting. (Obtain a copy of EHS's profile, available in the College Counseling Office)
  • Give careful attention to your appearance, grooming, and conduct. The campus interview facilitates putting a "face" with a name. Often notes are kept and placed in your application file.
  • Remember to put your best appearance forward. You are representing EHS and future applicants as well as yourself.

TRY TO DO THE FOLLOWING:

  • Visit several classes.
  • Talk to the college students. Ask them about the academic and social life on campus. Staying in a dorm room is very helpful also.
  • Take a notebook. After you have visited, make some notes while the information is fresh in your mind:

                  impression of facilities and campus

                  instructional program and regulations

                  names and titles of officials you visited with   

COLLEGE EVALUATION: WHAT TO LEARN AND ASK IN A VISIT

CLASSES

  • What is the average class size for freshmen? Upperclassmen?
  • Who will teach freshmen courses? Graduate assistants or full professors?
  • What is the faculty advisor system? How easy is it to meet with advisors? How are they assigned? (By department, major, randomly, etc.)

CAMPUS

  • Does the campus appeal to you? Size? Is it easy to get around? Will you need a car? Is parking a problem?  Is it clean?

HOUSING

  • Is on-campus housing a problem?
  • Are freshmen required to live in a dorm?
  • How is housing assigned? Is there a separate housing application? Deadline? Deposit?
  • How are roommates assigned? Can you request a particular roommate?
  • How many students per room? Are singles available?
  • Are the study facilities of the dorm satisfactory? Are there "study hours" or "quiet rooms"?
  • Are dining facilities of the dorm satisfactory? Is it required or optional to purchase meals?
  • What percentage of students live on campus? Off campus? Commute?

ADMISSIONS CRITERIA

  • How will the college/university be evaluating the student? What criteria is used in the process? (Test Scores, GPA, rank, quota, area of study, recommendations, activities, other subjective factors)
  • Application deadlines and procedures?

COLLEGE COSTS AND FINANCIAL AID/SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

  • What are the school's basic costs (tuition, room, board, fees)? What other costs are involved in attending (books, personal, etc.)?
  • What kinds of financial aid programs are available? What is the procedure for applying? Deadlines? Work opportunities? Loans?
  • Merit or no-need scholarships? Athletic or talent awards?

AFTER THE CAMPUS VISIT

  • Write thank-you notes to the Director of Admissions or any other staff, faculty, or students who interviewed you and extended you courtesies while on campus. This should be done promptly upon returning home. Also, thank persons from your school who have helped you.
  • See your college counselor--discuss what you have learned.
  • Review evaluations and impressions: Rank this college on your list.

 SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

  • Juniors and Seniors will be allowed five additional days per year for college visits. (Not allowed during Senior Outreach Projects.) Or during Interim Term.
  • Obtain a College Visit Verification form from the Attendance desk and have it signed by someone in the admissions office at the college you are visiting.
  • Return this form to the Attendance desk to confirm that you were visiting that campus.
  • Check with the attendance office and your teachers before you leave so that all who need to know will know in advance. Check to see if the attendance office staff has any further directions for you regarding your absence.

  

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