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5 Tricks to Conquer College Trips:
5. Hit the Hot
Spots: Check out the dorms, cafeteria, gym, library, student center, and
computer labs for a more fulfilling visit.
4. Read the college
newspaper and listen to the college radio station: This way you will know
what is going on outside classes on the campus.
3. Tour the
city, neighborhood or nearby town: Get the feel of the local area for shopping,
dining, and entertainment purpose. Donıt forget to bring your camera!
2. Go at
the right time of day: Make sure you are there between 10a.m.-2p.m. to
see classes in session. You will get a better feel for the overall
college atmosphere.
1. Dress
appropriately: Some campuses may be large, so most likely you will be
doing a lot of walking. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and donıt
forget to dress according to the local weather.
As the weather gets warmer, summer gets closer and our senior friends are approaching
graduation. All of a sudden the student body will roll out of bed and
realize they are now one step closer to senior year with no idea where they
will be going next. Well, this summer itıs time to get your act together
and start a ³plan of attack² against the numerous dreaded college stops.
With a few tips from the pros, college visits will not be so awful, but
actually enjoyable.
The first key to success, as you have heard, time and time before, is to start
early. So, begin by making a list of colleges that you would like to
consider. Search for information about schools that interest you on the
web, through representatives, and brochures that come in the mail.
Continue analyzing colleges and narrow to a few that are your top choices.
Then, you can begin planning visits to the top schools you would like to
see.
It is recommended that you call ahead to the admissions office and
make an appointment at least three weeks before the visit. This way they
can plan your visit accordingly to what you are planning to study. Marian
guidance counselor Kathy DeBoer advises, ³It helps to call ahead and have
appointments with the admissions counselor and with your ideal major department
so you can meet with professors.²
A good way to set a date is to plan your visit around a family
vacation. Once the date has been set, come up with a list of questions that you
would like to ask professors and students. A complete list of excellent
questions can be found in the college center or online at Marianıs web
site. Write out the questions and keep them fresh in your mind to ask
when touring. Ask students about the campus life and the admissions
counselor about financial aid. Make you sure you ask the right people the
right questions. Try to sit in on a class, that you might actually take,
this will insure you that the academic environment is right for you.
Your next job is to discuss with the college students the social
aspect of the collegiate life. ³The teacherıs arenıt going to know real campus
life [by talking to students] you are able to find out whatıs really going on,²
said senior Stephanie Bradley. Ask them what they do when they are not in
classes or studying. Try to get a perspective of the daily social
scene. Find out about service opportunities in the community. Ask
questions about weekend entertainment and nearby shopping. Find out about
the public transportation if you are not bringing a vehicle to school with
you. The more questions you ask the better you can come to know the school
and find out if it is right for you. Choosing a college can be difficult but with a little help,
and asking a lot of questions, it can be a little bit easier to find the
perfect college for you.