College Search >> FAQs

1. How do I plan a college visit? Simply call the admissions office, tell them you are a prospective student, and ask to schedule a visit. Most colleges will then give you dates and times for INFO SESSIONS and TOURS. Find out how often the tours are offered. Many colleges no longer schedule individual interviews.
2. When should I visit? Try to visit on a weekday (Mondays through Thursday are best) while school is in session so you can see students going back and forth to class. You want to see how much energy there is on campus.
   
   JUNIORS: Visit a variety of types of colleges so you get a feel for what is right for you - Big, small, urban, suburban, etc.
   
   SENIORS - Go during the fall or after you have been accepted. 
3. How do I make the most of my visit?
   1. BEFORE YOU GO Do some research so you are somewhat familiar with the school. Campustours.com is a good place for video tours and photos. Also, prepare some questions to ask either students or faculty – that way you won’t forget them when you’re there!
   2. TAKE a camera. You would be surprised at how alike some colleges are; photos will give your memory a nudge
   3. Sit in on a class if you can.
   4. Talk to coaches in a sport in which you might participate.
   5. Talk to students on campus. Ask them what they think of the school. Is it what they thought it would be?
   6. Pick up and read a student newspaper.
   7. Notice bulletin boards and sidewalk chalking to see what the day-to-day student life is like and to learn how many and what kind of activities are offered each weekend.
   8. Eat in the cafeteria and check out how many other options students have for meals.
   9. Wander around campus for a few minutes on your own. How does it feel to you?
   10. Visit the bookstore.
   11. Notice how many students are wearing college-themed clothing. This is a good way to determine school spirit.
4. Are there different kinds of interviews? Yes: on campus, alumni, and at your high school.
   1. Some colleges still schedule interviews on campus. Make an appointment early to be sure you get one.
   2. Many colleges accept alumni interviews. If you are unable to travel to a college they will contact local alumni and one will interview you and send a report back to admissions.
   3. College admissions officers spend a lot of time traveling to different high schools. Definitely make a point of meeting with one if they come to your school.

5. How should I dress? Leave the tee shirts and jeans at home. Khakis and dress shirts, sweaters and nice tops work fine. If you have lots of piercings and that is who you are - leave them in place. You are shopping for a place to spend the next four years and you want to know if you will be comfortable.

6. What are some questions I can ask during an interview?
   1. What is the average size of freshmen classes?
   2. Are classes taught by professors or teaching assistants?
   3. What is the typical size of a freshmen dorm room? How many roommates? What types of things should I plan to bring to live in the dorm?
   4. What options do you offer for Study Abroad?
   5. How much debt does the average student have at graduation?
   6. If you play a sport or enjoy an extracurricular activity, ask what the college offers in that area? For example, how many plays are produced on campus each year?
   7. Do you accept AP credits?

   8. What is the most popular major on campus and why?

7. Interview Tips
   1. Be on time
   2. Do not chew gum, swear, or use too much slang.
   3. Respond to the questions fully rather than answer yes or no.
   4. Let them know if this is your first choice school.
   5. Leave your parent in the waiting room; this is your time to shine!