Campus Visits - A Tool to Explore Universities

I'm amazed how many seniors I have encountered who are getting ready to fill out a bunch of applications but have never visited college campuses.  It is really important to start your college visits early in your high school career.  Middle schools students should be encouraged to start the tour process as well.  The more campuses you have researched the better handle you'll have on making a good decision about which university to attend. 

Tours are normally conducted by volunteer students.  Sometimes the admission directors will introduce themselves to the visitor group and hold a brief introductory session then hand off to the student tour guides to walk the campus with you.  At some schools the admissions officers may hold a more in-depth session in a lecture hall setting after the tour has ended - they are all slightly different.

Some hints to help you get the most out of your tour experience:

1.  Check online to see when official tours are being given and make an appointment.

2. If visiting multiple schools in one day; don't try to do more than two each day.  Allow extra time, as tours and informational sessions frequently run late.  Plot driving routes and book hotels in advance.

3.  Wear good walking shoes.

4.  The student should register at the admissions office.  Schools do keep track of all contacts with applicants.  In a recent survey, 46% of schools said campus visits have a POSITIVE influence on the admissions office.

5.  For parents: let your student ask questions of the tour guide.

6.  Eat lunch in the school cafeteria.  Do you like the food selection?

7.  Pick up a student newspaper.

8.  Sit in on a class.  This must be arranged in advance through the admissions office.  Sometimes it must be arranged through a department head, but schools really do encourage "student for a day" programs.

9.  If possible, students should arrange to meet an admissions officer.

10.  If you meet an admissions officer, send a thank you note immediately upon returning home.

11. Prior to the visit, make a list of questions you want to find answers to.  Don't ask questions of the admissions officer that you can easily get answers to on the school's website.

12.  If possible, parents and students should try to take different tours of the same school, if 2 separate tours are leaving around the same time.  You'll get two different perspectives which you can talk about later over dinner.


Have fun on the tour, imagine yourself studying there and being a part of that campus. Jot down your thoughts and impressions about each school while everything is fresh in your mind; keep all your notes in one place so you can review them when you are getting ready to make your final "apply list".

Here are some quick links of tour and info pages for various schools.

Emory University, Atlanta,   click here

University of California, UC system click here

University of Michigan, click here

A link to my own campus tour videos,  click here

A Great Online Resource

Everyone should be looking at the website http://www.collegeboard.com/ when they are preparing for college.  Make sure you bookmark this amazingly rich site so you can view it daily.  What I most like about the site is the daily SAT questions.  You can answer the question and find out immediately if you are right or wrong.  Additionally, there is a low price ($69.50) online SAT course. 

Daily SAT practice questions: http://sat.collegeboard.org/practice/sat-practice-questions

A lot of my students are looking for certain majors and are sometimes confused how to quickly find a list of schools that offer their chosen major.  This http://www.collegeboard.com/ site has a great college search section.  It lists the majors most requested by students. 

Remember that the college board site is not just for registering for the SAT.  Click on the upper tabs for comprehensive information on:

• Advanced Placement tests,  including sample questions. 
• College Planning
• College Search
• Professional Development (for educators)
• Store - selling publications for students and educators.
• Under the tab "More" find AP Central,   K-12 Services, Higher Ed, College Guidance and a section En Español.

Become familiar with all these terms - in the beginning it's like learning a new language, but it will serve you well as you prepare to apply for College or University.

The Early Bird Gets the Worm! Start Your Research and Planning in Middle School

It's NEVER TOO EARLY to start the college preparation and search process. I've been working with middle school students and their parents recently. There is a thirst for knowledge out there that is not always being met by middle schools. Middle school parents and students come to my meetings anxious and inquisitive about the college preparation process. Learning about the college search and admission process is like learning a new language. You cannot do it overnight. It takes time for the brain to process all the new terms and acronyms; never mind doing a search for a college that suits you.

Plan early - reduce the stress !

With all the news and reality about more and more students applying to university, and tuition rising at disproportionate rates, anxiety on the parts of students and parents is at an all-time high. Getting an early start alleviates the stress for most families. I know that many middle school students are just stressing about choosing a high school that suits them. But, in reality, that choice could affect their college choices too.

A well thought-out 6 year plan in Middle School will effectively guide you all the way through high school.

It is important for all 7th graders to create a written 6 year academic plan. Understand what universities are looking for and make sure you create an academic plan that exceeds admission guidelines. If you do this, no matter what high school you choose and no matter how much college information you get or do not get in high school; you will be prepared.

Transfer Students

I have been working with a few students who are looking to transfer to a different college/university.  When you have made the decision to transfer from your current university it is very important to take time to really research where you want to complete your college education.  Requirements for transfer students are different than for freshman admission.  Take Seattle University....which admits students on a rolling basis (meaning they assess and admit you as soon as they receive all your documentation).  If you are looking to transfer to Seattle University with fewer than 45 college credits, you will need to send in your high school transcript.  And, while you do not need a college instructor evaluation, you can send in letters of recommendation that the admissions committee with take into consideration.  And, they do not require a SAT/ACT if you have over 45 credits.  Also, if you have taken a break from college it is important to include a statement on what activities you have done while on your break.  Seattle University requires a minimum of a 2.75 for transfer students but last year their average transfers' GPA was 3.34.  I really like the way Seattle University has an easy on-line way to check on which of your courses will transfer to Seattle U.  It is always a big concern that you have a lot of credits but most colleges will not take all of them.  And, for heaven's sake, contact the admissions officer.  They are your best friends. Let them know you want to transfer to their university. 

Another important facet of transferring is to really look at your choice of a major.  You have had at least one year of college under your belt, SO the big question is, "What do you want to major in?" What kind of career do you want to have?"  While most freshman don't need to know, definitively, their major, as an upper classman you will be concentrating on your major.  A lot of my clients talk about wanting to major in business.  Well, if that is the case, you really need to look at your chosen college's majors.  For example, Seattle University doesn't have a business degree.  What they have are degrees in:  Accounting, International Business, Economics, Business Economics, International Economic Development, Management, Marketing, Finance and E-commerce/information systems.  So you can see why asking for a "business major" really is not specific enough.  To help you make your decision, scan the university course selection.  See what courses are required in each major.  Do any of them "ring a bell" for you?  Do any of them intrique you?  Have you worked in any jobs that included marketing, management, information systems?  Did you like that job?  Did you thrive in that job?  Spend some time asking family, neighbors and friends why they like their career. 

So, you have made your decision to transfer, you know your major and really researched your schools.  Don't waste time!  Send that application in.

Test Optional Schools

I have had many questions regarding "test optional" schools.  YES! They do exist.  Each year, there is an increase in the  number of schools that go "test optional".  Test optional means that you can send your SAT/ACT scores, or you do not have to send the scores.  It is important that students and their families really look at each college/university before deciding not to take the SAT/ACT.  In some instances, the college is listed as test optional BUT with a caveat.  An example is Arizona State University.  It is test optional only if the applicant meets the minimum GPA and class rank required for admissions. 

 

 

Remember, those statistics change yearly, and for out of state students, those GPA and class rank admission requirements are different.  Also, remember to give yourself as many options as you can.  If you take the SAT/ACT you can still apply to schools that require them and schools that do not. 

Here are a few schools that are test optional (in no particular order): 

Pitzer (California)
Arizona State

Concordia (Oregon)

Connecticut College

Providence College (Rhode Island)

Bates (Maine)
Bowdoin (Maine)

Cal Maritime (California)

Wake Forest (North Carolina)

DePaul (Minnesota)

Mt. Holyoke  (Massachusetts)
Hampshire College (Massachusetts) 

Bennington (Vermont)

George Mason (Virginia)

Lewis & Clark (Oregon)

These are just a few examples, but you might want to check them out.

Sophomore Strategies - the great "College Hunt"

When I'm talking to Sophomore students and their families, I give them a list of things they should be doing this year to prepare for the great "college hunt", which begins in earnest in Junior year.

1.  Take the PLAN test.  Make sure you sign up at your high school and take it in 10th grade.

2.  Consider taking the PSAT, also.  When taking the PSAT don't forget to check the box that gives permission for universities/colleges to send you information.

3.  Make sure that your email address is APPROPRIATE.  Colleges will be using this.  What you think is funny/quirky as an email, may not be funny to an admissions officer.

4.  Email or call schools and request information regarding programs you are interested in.  Example:  fine/performing arts programs;  5 year BA/MA programs.  Colleges keep tabs on how interested you are in their college. 

5.  Make a list of colleges/universities you want to visit this year.  Visit at least three or four this year.  Keep the information in a file that you can access easily.

6.  Request a transcript from your high school registrar.  You do not need an "official" transcript.  Check the classes and grades posted and make sure it is accurate.  You should get a transcript after every semester and check for accuracy.

7.  Create your resume that includes clubs/organizations you belong to and offices you have held.  Include school activities and community activities on the resume. 

8.  Keep all your "college hunt" information in one place.  Information stored will include PLAN/PSAT/ACT/SAT test scores; resume; college visits information, transcripts etc.

9.  Start thinking about how you will spend next summer.  Will you take a Community College class, volunteer in a hospital, go to Upward Bound, or take classes at a university? 

10.  Keep your grades up.  Ask for assistance early in the semester.  Don't wait to get help.
 
Most of all keep smiling, enjoy the journey and have fun. 

A New School Year!

Well, you've had a great summer.  You've rested, travelled, read, and had fun.  It is now time to assess where you are academically and what you need to do for the next BIG STEP. 

For high school juniors this is a crucial year.  Not only do you have to step up your game academically but you have to seriously move forward on your hunt for a college/university that suits your goals in life.  Now, I don't mean to totally scare you and freak you out, but it is important that you start NOW.  Keep a running list of schools that appeal to you.  Don't just think of the schools that have won the Rose Bowl or the schools that everyone else is talking about. 

There are over 3,000 colleges/universities in the USA.  The playing field is big, so you have to start your search and investigate early.  I suggest spending a few hours each weekend searching the web or contact your school counselor or a local educational consultant to assist you.  As you search, your list will become big.  You can always edit the list as you move along on your great college hunt. 

Also, don't forget to sign up for the PSAT and the SAT in the spring along with subject tests.  DO NOT WAIT until senior year to take these tests. 

OK!  Are you ready?  Get set!  GO!    Have a great year.