The College Visit
The research on factors involved in a student's college selection process highlights the importance of visiting one's possible college of choice. A study in 1988 reported that when students ranked the factors that most influenced their selection of schools to which to apply, "first hand impressions of a college based on a visit to campus" was the first and foremost commonly reported factor (Kellaris and Kellaris, 1988). Some students visit before applying to the school, while others wait until all of their options are known and then visit before making a final decision.
Students are strongly encouraged to visit schools in which they are interested. Summer is a very appropriate time to tour campuses and interview with an admissions official. Stone Ridge does allow three excused absences from school during the senior year for the purpose of visiting colleges. (Keep in mind that if you visit during the summer or on a school holiday, students may not be there, so you would not be able to visit a class or a dorm room. However, if this is the only time, it is better than not going.) WE ENCOURAGE ALL STUDENTS TO GO ON COLLEGE VISITS!!! In small group guidance, students prepare for college visits by learning to construct lists of "need to know" and "want to know" information.
Hints for a fruitful college visit:
1. Call in advance to find out about times of tours and how to set up an interview (if it is offered); set appointments if possible. If you want an interview, call as soon as you can to ensure a slot. Obtain college phone numbers from the college guidance office. Ask to have college information and directions sent to you before the visit so that you are able to read up on the school prior to an interview or meeting.
2. Use the College Finder Map in the Guidance Office to locate all colleges of interest on your proposed itinerary, although visiting more than two colleges a day can be overwhelming and tiring.
3. Feel free to ask admission counselors for directions to nearby colleges; they expect students to be on "college tours": and sometimes have maps of neighboring colleges prepared to distribute to touring families.
4. Use the "Checklist for a College Visit" form on the following page (or your own note taking system) to jot down information as you visit. In your notes, include factual data about the school and your impressions. While a student's "gut level" response to a school should not constitute the entire decision-making process, impressions are very important.
5. During the visit:
· Check out bulletin boards
· Visit classes that might interest you
· Pick up several editions of the school newspaper
· Look through the most recent yearbook (usually found in the admissions office)
· Arrange to eat a meal where students eat (a visit to the cafeteria)
· Talk to as many students as possible
· If possible, arrange an interview (some schools do not give interviews, some schools offer alumni interviews in the D.C. area, so make sure you find out the interview policy)
Follow up:
· Take notes after each visit so you keep each school straight (keep this information in your separate school files)
· Write a thank you note if you had an interview or spoke to someone of importance in the admissions office.
6. A list of schools sending admission representatives to visit Stone Ridge and meet seniors is distributed to parents annually.
7. Listed below are questions and topics prepared by the National Association of College Admission Counselors to assist students and their parents when they meet an admission counselor during a school visit.
Admission policies:
1. What high school courses are required?
2. Are entrance tests required? Which ones? What range of scores is accepted?
3. Does the college require a certain grade point average or rank in class?
4. Will my activities and involvement in school be considered?
5. Is there an essay on the application and is it read?
6. Is there an early decision or an early action plan?
7. On what basis are applicants accepted?
8. Are personal interviews or letters of recommendation required?
9. Are there special requirements for certain majors?
10. What percent of applicants are accepted?
11. Can admission denials be appealed?
12. What are the application filing dates?
About the college:
1. Where is the college located (city, suburb, small town, rural)?
2. What is the surrounding community like?
3. Is the college public, private, church affiliated?
4. What is the current student enrollment?
5. What special or unique programs are offered?
6. Does the college have general education or course distribution requirements? What are they?
7. Does the college have special programs for transfer students?
8. What is the academic calendar (semesters, quarters)?
Student population:
1. Where do the majority of students come from?
2. Do most of the students commute or live on campus?
3. What types of student activities are available?
4. Are there sororities and fraternities on campus?
5. What athletic programs are available?
6. Is housing available/guaranteed for freshmen? Is it available for all four years?
Social life:
1. What is the average age of the student body?
2. What is the male-to-female ratio?
3. What percent of students reside on campus?
4. Are dorms co-ed or single sex?
5. Is this a "suitcase college" where all the students leave on weekends?
6. What are the procedures for selecting a roommate?
7. What are some of the rules and regulations that govern campus and dormitory life?
Academics:
1. What is the average class size? Largest? Smallest?
2. How many students in last year's freshman class returned for their sophomore year?
3. What was the grade point average for the freshman class last year?
4. What is the college's procedure for student orientation, class placement, and scheduling? Are classes guaranteed?
5. How is a faculty advisor assigned to students?
6. What services does the school offer for the student who is undecided about a major?
7. How many students complete a degree?
8. Do students graduate in four or five years?
9. What are the most popular majors?
10. What are your support systems for students with a learning disability?
11. Are students taught by full time faculty members, graduate assistants, or a combination of the two?
12. What types of additional services are provided by the school at no additional cost to the student (e.g. tutoring, career and personal counseling, developmental reading, study skills workshops, or job placement)?
13. Is there an honors program? What are the qualifications for entry?
College costs:
1. What are the costs for tuition? Room and board? Are there other fees?
2. How much did costs increase from last year to this year?
3. Is there a difference in cost for in-state and out-of-state students?
4. Are accepted students required to place deposits for tuition and housing? Are these refundable?
5. By what date must an accepted student decide whether he or she will attend?
6. Are deposits required each year for returning students?
7. When do bills have to be paid?
Financial Aid:
1. What percent of students receive financial aid based on financial need?
2. What percent of students receive scholarships based on academic ability?
3. What would be a typical financial aid package for a freshman?
4. What percent of those who apply for financial aid receive it?
5. Will financial aid be adjusted if need increases?
6. What are the financial aid application procedures and deadlines?
7. When are financial aid applicants notified of their awards? How long do they have to respond?
8. Is a tuition payment plan offered?
9. Are there campus jobs available? Are there off-campus jobs as well?