Yes, gearing up for your senior year in high school includes resting and having fun this summer. But another important thing to do is visit the colleges that interest you.
Like checking the weather forecast before you pack a bag for the beach, there are some things you can do to prepare for visits to college campuses. Read admissions brochures and check out the schools' websites (don't forget what they have in the way of social media like Facebook, Twitter and blogs like this one). This allows you more time during campus tours to explore the specific things that interest you. Plan to meet with admissions counselors, even if the school you're visiting doesn't require a formal interview. Map out a tour of the city, town, or local area surrounding the school to see what life is like off campus. Make sure your camera, smartphone - or whatever you use to snap photos - is charged and ready to go. Pictures make a great resource when you're comparing your top choices later. And prepare a list of questions you might ask students, staff or faculty you'll meet during your visits. Need some suggestions? Try these:
- What distinguishes this college from other similar schools?
- What academic factors are considered during the admissions process?
- Are professors accessible outside of class?
- Are there tutoring services available on campus?
- What are this college's most popular academic programs?
- What kind of career services are offered to students?
- What percentage of students receive financial aid?
- What percentage of students live on campus?
- What types of meal plans are available?
- What hours may students access food services?
- What are the most popular extra-curricular activities?
- What do most students do on the weekends?
- What’s the surrounding city/town like?
- Are there sororities and fraternities on campus?
- How safe is the campus?
Whatever you do, don’t pass up any opportunity to find out more! We wish you luck with your adventures this summer. And if we can be of any assistance during your application process, don’t hesitate to contact us at admissions@stevens.edu or 1-800-STEVENS.
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