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October 6, 2006
Campus Visit Entry #2: Preparation
The visit is scheduled, but I don’t recommend just showing up without some preparation. Obviously make sure you have confirmed your visit, have accurate directions (preferably from the school) and print up a campus map. Prior to leaving make sure that you have the school’s phone number with you in case you find yourselves lost or running late.
Preparation includes making sure you are prepared to answer certain questions about yourself and also have an understanding of where you are visiting. It may require you to talk to your guidance counselor to find out more about the college. It is also a good idea to have read up and visited the website of the institution that you are about to visit.
I will always recommend that students be themselves in the interview, but I’m not sure if I would recommend visiting an Ivy League school with cut-off jeans and flip-flops. However, if that is who you are and you do not wish to waiver, by all means, be my guest to wear what you wish. The school may, however, decide that you are not a good candidate for them because of your dress. I do not think a shirt and tie or business suite is necessary, however, people rarely comment that someone is overdressed for a situation. People do under-dress regularly. If you are wondering what is appropriate don’t be afraid to call a school and ask.
Students should be able to answer the following simple questions about themselves and the institution that they are visiting:
- Who am I?
- Why have I decided to visit this school today?
- What am I looking for in a college?
- If I have a major in mind, why have I chosen this area of study?
- What has attracted me to this school?
- How did I create my college list?
- What is important to me?
- What am I involved in and which of these activities am I most passionate about?
- Why do I feel I could be a good fit for this school?
- What are some of the things that I will use when making my college decision?
If you can answer these questions you are on your way. When visiting colleges that interview there will be more to answer, but this is a good base.
Be sure to create a list of questions that you want to ask all the colleges that you are visiting and maybe even create a punch list of things you are looking for in colleges to see what the school you are visiting does and doesn’t have. Not to stereotype, but moms usually take this responsibility, but I am more impressed when students take ownership of this.
Posted by Chris Boehm at October 6, 2006 3:49 PM