Philadelphia, PA - When students go to visit a college campus for the first time, there are several things they should do to get the most out of their initial college visit.
College Visits Are An Iconic Moment In A Student's Life
College visits are an iconic moment in a student's life. It is often the beginning of the college search, of sorting through brochures and determining to which colleges a student is going to apply. When students visit college campuses, it not only allows them to get a feel for the campus and the campus community but also to have any questions answered by current students, faculty, and administration.
The college admissions process can be intimidating. So students must take advantage of college admissions tours to get all of their questions answered. It is especially vital for those students who are looking for someone to write my essay for me as they can meet a person to help with this intimidating task. They also can get information about specific programs or majors that may not be found in admissions materials that are sent out to hundreds, or even thousands, of prospective students every year.
Remember to Ask Questions
Asking questions is one big reason why students schedule admissions tours. Only so much information can be put into an admissions brochure or on a website, and oftentimes deciding factors such as the quality of dorms, food service, or special programs on campus can only be found by asking questions of those who currently attend that particular college or university.
For those who are torn between two or more schools, come to an admissions tour with a list of questions in mind. Be sure to get answers to these questions, especially if it can make a difference between one institution or another.
Look at Things that Matter to You
There are going to be some things on every college campus that are better than others. Some colleges and universities may have state-of-the-art libraries but lack a gym or recreational center, while others may have brand new academic buildings but residence halls that are in poor condition.
Students should evaluate what matters to them in a college before making their visit and keep those things in mind while touring campus. For a student who is also an athlete or likes to keep in shape, would they feel comfortable on a campus with little to no recreational or workout facilities? For students majoring in scientific or technological fields, the age and quality of the computers and lab equipment should be assessed. A college education is a considerable investment, so students should consider a college's amenities during their visit as well as other aspects of an institution.
Meet with Faculty in Your Respective Major
Usually, colleges or universities are known as being leaders or popular among students in a select number of areas, such as the hard sciences, education, business, or the humanities. Students may flock to these colleges or universities because of their intended program's reputation, both within and outside of their areas.
There are programs. However, that may be nationally recognized for excellence, which may come as a surprise to students and parents. When going on an admissions tour, students should request to meet with faculty in their intended major to get a feel for the program. Students should not only learn about their major and its basic requirements but also what program graduates have done with their degrees after graduation, who can provide them with assistance like an essay writer helper, and what faculty and the program expect out of students. Does a student's program require membership in a professional or para-professional organization? Does this program require a higher grade point average than the college or university to remain in the program? Is an internship, thesis, or capstone project required to complete the degree? These are important questions that students often do not learn about until they are already in the program, so asking these questions now can help a student be better prepared in the future.
Meet with the Financial Aid Office
College is expensive, so while on campus, interested students should schedule a meeting with a financial aid counselor to get a preliminary estimate of their financial aid package and to help get any questions answered about paying for college.
Financial aid counselors will also be able to help students find scholarships, explain how to apply for financial aid, and answer any questions regarding federal and private student loans. For students and parents who are unfamiliar with the financial aid process, this part of the tour is extremely important.
College visits are an important part of the college admissions process. By getting the opportunity to be on campus and meet with faculty, students, and staff, prospective students can be better armed to decide on the next phase of their educational career.
