Selecting a college is a significant decision in a student’s educational journey, but because ending up in the wrong place can lead to a tough time, planning a college visit is essential. Before setting foot on campus, juniors and seniors need to: coordinate their visit with GHS, schedule with the college, and prepare questions to ask at said college.
There is a step-by-step procedure to take a college visit on a school day. Mrs. Lisa Laug, guidance director, has all the information needed to go on a college visit.
“The parent or guardian calls in and says the student won’t be at school. There is a college visit form that is taken to Mrs. Arthur in the office after the visit. The college signs the form, proving the student was actually there,” Mrs. Laug said.
Seniors get two days per year to visit a college, and with only two days, selecting the right colleges to visit is important. Senior Eliana Anderson visited Howard University in Washington DC but not before doing her research.
“I looked into its graduation rate, law school pipelines, alumni network, and political science programs,” Anderson said.
Before a visit, students should prepare a couple questions to ask at the college. Inquiring about programs, extracurricular activities, and life around campus are all excellent questions.
“I asked what there is to do outside of classes. Apparently, they have a game called Battleship where people stand on actual boats and throw buckets of water at opposing boats in an attempt to sink one another,” senior Jack Thompson said about his visit to IU.
Showing up unprepared can also be a waste of time. Visiting the college is supposed to be more educational than looking around campus. This is why asking questions is so important.
“I’m always encouraging kids to do their homework over the college. Ask the questions they need answered. Housing situation, financial aid, how dual credits transfer. I think going and not asking questions is a mistake. Also not going to a college that they want to visit would be a mistake. Everyone who wants to go to college should do a college visit,” Mrs. Tanya Fenner, guidance counselor, said.
One thing that the colleges do not want to happen is a bunch of people showing up on campus unannounced. A college visit requires scheduling so the guide knows when to show people around. Do not mistake colleges as unwelcoming of visitors, though. In fact, it is quite the opposite.
“First, schedule the visit through college. The Visit Us button is usually prominent. If the button is not visible, check the admissions tab. They want you to visit so they make it easy to find. Popular programs sometimes have specific visit days. Make sure you bring good walking shoes and prepare for the weather,” Mrs. Laug said.
