Read our November 2019 College Expert Newsletter.
Here are the topics in this month’s newsletter.
Beginning with the September 2020 ACT Test, ACT will enhance the test experience with new options. Starting next school year, students will be able to
Read more about these new firsts on the ACT website!
Read our October 2019 College Expert Newsletter.
Here are the topics in this month’s newsletter.
By Margaret Duden
When I was in Claremont, CA for the IECA Summer Training Institute, I had an opportunity to visit Pitzer College. Pitzer is a member of the Claremont Consortium of Colleges. Founded in the 1960s, it was created with the mission of advancing social and environmental justice. Pitzer’s motto is Provida Futuri, which means “mindful of the future” in Latin.
Pitzer’s campus is beautiful, clean, and reflects the college’s commitment to environmental, social, and political activism. The campus features an outdoor classroom, a student-run farm (complete with chickens), a student-run cafe, native plants, LEED-certified buildings, murals with social justice themes, a student-run eaterie (the Shakedown Cafe), and plenty of green space. Across the street from Pitzer’s main campus is the Robert Redford Conservancy for Southern California Sustainability, where students can do field research.
Just 35 miles east of Los Angeles, Pitzer’s campus is in the heart of Claremont, California, a wealthy town of 36,000. About a 15-minute walk from campus is Claremont Village, an upscale, tree-lined shopping district brimming with boutiques, coffee shops, bakeries, and restaurants. Pitzer’s campus adjoins the campuses of Harvey Mudd and Claremont McKenna College, and it is within easy walking distance of all of the colleges in the Claremont Consortium.
All freshmen take a first-year writing seminar taught by their freshman advisor, which allows them to get to know their advisor very well. Class sizes are small, with an average size of 15 students. There are no physical education requirements, but students can take an unlimited number of no-credit PE courses for free.
Students at Pitzer can choose any major across all of the majors offered by the five colleges in the Claremont Consortium, and there are no limits to how many classes you can take at the other colleges. Pitzer just requires its students to take eight Breadth of Knowledge courses, which include one natural science with a lab, one math course, two social sciences classes, two humanities courses, a freshman writing seminar, and a combined social justice theory and praxis course.
Pitzer students can study abroad up to three times, and no prior knowledge of a language is required for study-abroad programs. Students take language classes abroad so when they come back, they are ahead in credits. Many students use the extra credits they gain while studying abroad to graduate early or to reduce their course load senior year.
Pitzer is a residential college with a culture that revolves around its five core values: environmental sustainability, intercultural understanding, interdisciplinary learning, student engagement, and social responsibility.
Pitzer has one of the most engaged student bodies of any college; my student guide told me that Pitzer boasts the largest student governing body in the US. There is a student-run farm, a student-run cafe, a student-run house (the Grove house), and student-run PE classes. In addition, Pitzer ensures that all committees have at least one student voting member, which means Pitzer students have a say in which faculty get tenure.
Although Pitzer students live on one of the most beautiful campuses in Southern California, the Pitzer curriculum makes sure they engage with the community off-campus. The social justice praxis class gets students off campus to explore real-world issues such as environmental toxicology, and Inside Out Prison Exchange Program allows students to take classes with inmates in Prison Alley.
On-campus housing is guaranteed all four years, and the dorms are gender inclusive, which means students can live with roommates of any gender they choose. The students and staff claim that Pitzer has the best dining hall of all the options in the Claremont Consortium. Although I did not have a chance to eat there myself, I was able to peek through the windows into the dining area in McConnell Center, and the buffet options certainly looked and smelled fabulous!
Pitzer is a test-optional school that offers Early Decision I and II. Early Decision is binding but comes with a higher acceptance rate. Demonstrated interest is an important factor in admissions decisions. The average SAT score for incoming students is 1350 ACT and the average ACT is 31.
Admissions are need-blind, and students are given generous need-based financial aid. The first time students study abroad, they also get a travel stipend that covers the cost of their flight, visas, and passports. My student guide told me that students can study abroad with no out-of-pocket costs; she even was given a stipend so she could go out to eat while abroad.
By Sue Luse
Every year my husband and I travel to a new part of the country to visit colleges. This year we picked Virginia where I was able to meet with two of our students who live in the DC area and visit seven diverse and interesting colleges, each with unique characteristics that would appeal to different students. Over the next several weeks, I’ll write about each of the schools, beginning with Liberty University
Liberty is a private Evangelical Christian college affiliated with the Baptist church. It was founded in 1971 by Jerry Falwell, and its current president is his son, Jerry Falwell Jr. The school has 13,400 residential students and more than 90,000 online students. It is a modern, updated campus that is 40 percent brand new.
Liberty’s mission is to train Champions for Christ with the values, knowledge, and skills essential for impacting tomorrow’s world. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees.
The university is located in Lynchburg, Virginia, a charming small city by the Blue Ridge Mountains that’s filled with history, beautiful views, plenty of outdoor activities and other fun things to do, as well as more than 400 churches. We went to a lively restaurant called Jimmy’s on the James and enjoyed listening to a piano bar singer who sounded like Frank Sinatra. The closest international airports to Lynchburg are in Richmond, Raleigh and Washington DC.
Liberty University has beautiful views of the mountains and even has its own ski hill. If you visit Liberty, don’t miss the 275-foot tall Freedom Tower with breathtaking views of campus and mountains; it was one of the highlights of our visit. Other campus highlights include the Jerry Falwell Library and the National Civil War Chaplains Museum. Christian music is piped in throughout the grounds, and some students greet each other with “praise God” as they walk around campus.
While Liberty offers more than 550 total programs, 366 on campus and 289 online, religion and religious studies are the most popular majors. The university also has a beautiful brand-new business school; a very good, competitive nursing program; and highly regarded political science and government programs. Some other popular majors include divinity, visual and performing arts and education. Engineering and computer science students enjoy state-of-the-art facilities. Liberty also has a law school and College of Osteopathic Medicine. Most classes have fewer than 30 students. There is an honors program and good support services for students with disabilities. Liberty has a biblical approach to all majors.
Liberty is unique because of its huge online program. Also about half of the students that attend classes on campus commute. The school has a thriving athletics program with amazing facilities for its athletes, the Liberty Flames and the Lady Flames, as well as a lot of school spirit. It is a member of the NCAA Division I level in 20 sports, and a member of the Atlantic Sun Conference for most sports.
There are more than 100 student-led clubs on campus as well activities, music and theater events. Students attend three convocations a week, and attendance is a mutually agreed upon expectation clearly communicated to anyone applying to be a residential, undergraduate student. Students are allowed two excused convocation absences a year. The college’s single sex dorms are spacious and modern, and there is housing for married students. There are strict rules and expectations about student conduct.
Liberty is looking for students with a high school diploma or GED and a minimum GPA of 2.0. The university accepts many home-schooled students. It has rolling admissions and does not use the Common App.
Undergraduate resident tuition at Liberty is approximately $34,490 per year, which includes tuition, mandatory fees, housing, and a meal plan. It can be higher depending on the housing type and meal plan you choose.
Students who are looking for a sheltered, conservative Christian college with a focus on being a Champion of Christ would be happy at Liberty University.
Sept. 22, 12:30-4:30 pm: The Minnesota Independent School Partnership Fair, for students and parents of the partnership schools (Blake, Breck, Minnehaha Academy, Mounds Park Academy, Shattuck St. Mary’s, St. Paul Academy and Summit) held at Mounds Park Academy.
Oct. 1, 7-9 pm: The Minnesota Performing & Visual Arts College Fair, held at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.
Oct. 1, 6-8:30 pm: The LD/ADHD College Fair, for students who have learning disabilities or attention disorders, held at the DoubleTree Park Place in St. Louis Park.
Oct. 2 – Oct. 3: The Minnesota National College Fair, held at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Oct. 2 from 9-Noon and 5-8 pm, and on Oct. 3 from 9-Noon.
Read our September 2019 College Expert Newsletter.
Here are the topics in this month’s newsletter.
I and some other Educational Consultants were invited to spend a couple of days at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
I must be honest, when it comes to colleges I can sometimes graze over the Dakota’s. Before my drive to Augustana, I had not been in South Dakota since I was like 10 years old on a family vacation to the Black Hills. One thing was clear however, Augustana has been on my radar for a while and man that long drive was worth it!.
Some Augie highlights:
College Expert now offers our students access to a platform to discover and explore career interests. Check out 101.Careers to learn more, or ask Sue or Ryan about this new offering.
Dear Students,
As I have been hearing about your graduations, saying goodbyes and attending open houses, I felt compelled to send you this note of reflection and praise. It got me thinking…. This Class of 2019 was magnificent and mystic. More on the second word at the end…
This whole college thing is an epic time! Thinking back on my college days still fills me with a sense of giddy awe. I remember the nervous excitement, anxiousness and faking the amount of cluelessness that comes with being a freshman newbie. One of my students currently attending college said in an email during freshman year, and I quote:
“If my life were a stage, high school was when everyone got ready for the big theatre production, people coming in and all of us busy behind the scenes. College is like when that curtain opens up…”
I love that stage metaphor. So if you don’t have some butterflies or a stir of emotions, you should! That shoe needs to fit.
I leave you with these random “Ryan” college counselor thoughts:
Now that I covered the magnificent, let me end with the mystical part. I do believe some of the college experience is exactly that. Stepping into the unknown, maybe you are going far away and believe you’re one of the only Minnesota freshmen; maybe college is near, but you have no idea about your major or career. Sooner than you think, though, that curtain will rise, and you’ll be center stage. When it comes to this class and all your unique college destinations, I can’t think of anything more mystical than that!
I will leave you with one of my own high-school senior year Beatles themed photos from a galaxy far away and a couple of quotes, (two real and one fictional), from some of my heroes now and when I was your age.
May “the shoe be with you,” and thank you and congratulations for being such a magnificent and mystical class of world changers.
Stay awesome,
Ryan Luse
ryan@collegeexpert.net
612-695-6285 (cell)
651-888-2840 (office)
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” –Ferris Bueller
“You were only waiting for this moment to arise.” –Paul McCartney
“Life is what happens to you when you’re busy making other plans.” –John Lennon
Dear Class of 2019,
Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your college planning journey. Congratulations and all the best as you go off to college. Please keep in touch and let us know how your freshman year goes. Enjoy the summer!
Sue, Ryan, and the College Expert Team
Read our June (Summer) 2019 College Expert Newsletter.
Here are the topics in this month’s newsletter.
Natalia knew George Washington University was where she belonged the minute she stepped on campus. In spite of some freshman year challenges, she is still overwhelmed with excitement to be pursuing her interest in service and politics in the nation’s capital. Could GW be right for you? Check out her spotlight!
We couldn’t be more proud of the Class of 2019. Since our first Research Jam Sessions with this class, we noticed exceptional diligence, enthusiasm and flexibility in this group of students. Our sessions were always filled to capacity, and when the Common Application went live August 1, they worked hard, were open to suggestions, supported each other and wrote some of the best essays we have ever seen! Nearly 100% decided to apply either early decision, early action, priority, or rolling decision, and that speaks volumes about their focus and discipline.
Drawing on our vast knowledge and experience, we recommended an eclectic mix of colleges, many of which were unfamiliar to our clients. In fact, it’s possible some clients never would have considered the colleges they chose without comprehensive and thoughtful discussions about finding the right fit – our guiding philosophy. As a result, 100% of our students will attend a four-year college in the fall. We’re proud to unveil these Class of 2019 College Expert statistics:
Our Class of 2019 students will matriculate to colleges across the country and Canada. This year we had students accepted to all 8 Ivy League Universities and other highly selective colleges such as Duke, Stanford, U Chicago, USC, Washington University, Northwestern, UCLA and UC Berkley. We have students going to engineering schools, music conservatories, small liberal arts colleges, research universities, Big Ten Universities, and colleges with in-state tuition. We strived to help families find ways to afford college tuition, and we were overjoyed with the resulting merit scholarships, grants, and aid. We are very proud of our three students accepted into the highly competitive University of Minnesota BA/MD Scholars Program. This program only admits 10, so we are thrilled to have three College Expert students accepted.
We also have students attending colleges that we have not had students attend before including the University of South Florida, Brigham Young, Wesleyan, Carthage, Colby, Morehouse, Earlham, University of Redlands, Belmont, Drew and Clarkson, which reflects the variety of right-fit schools for this diverse and amazing class.
Our 2019 statistics reflect a group of students who want to experience the world and build upon their knowledge. We were honored to prepare them for the next chapter in their lives. Thank you for making this year extraordinary. We wish our seniors all the best with the journey ahead and hope to keep in touch.
We are in the Windy City this week making new acquaintances and reconnecting with old friends at the IECA Spring Conference – Chicago. We’re hearing from speakers, exchanging best practices with peers and hearing about “hidden gems” from admissions reps — and we can’t wait to share what we’ve learned!
Read our May 2019 College Expert Newsletter.
Here are the topics in this month’s newsletter.
Coming from a small high school with a graduating class of 70, Will knew he was looking for something different in a college. In his Student Spotlight, read why Baylor’s size, high-tier athletics, diversity and sense of community felt right the minute he stepped on campus.
Congratulations to Jacob Harris, a senior at Eagan High School who received College Expert’s $2,000 scholarship at an Eagan Foundation 2019 Scholarship Award ceremony. The Foundation awards scholarships to graduating high school seniors living in Eagan or attending Eagan High School. College Expert is one of many local individuals and organizations that sponsor a scholarship through the Foundation. Nice job Jacob!
By Sue Luse
Last fall I had the opportunity to visit five colleges in the Bay Area, including Santa Clara University. I hadn’t visited Santa Clara in some time and was reminded again why the Silicon Valley school draws students from all over the country and world. It has academic excellence, proximity to some of the most innovative tech companies in the world, and glorious weather. When I visited in October, the sun was shining, there was a back-to-school energy among the students and campus life was buzzing.
The Santa Clara campus is located in the heart of Silicon Valley, at the southern tip of the San Francisco Bay and adjacent to San Jose, the tenth largest city in the US. It spans 106 acres of lush gardens and facilities, which surround the iconic Mission Santa Clara de Asis, the heart and soul of the campus. As a visitor from Minnesota, I was struck by the campuses warmth, beauty and palm trees.
Life for a Santa Clara University student extends beyond campus. It’s just a short drive to San Francisco or the beaches of Santa Cruz, and you’re only two miles from San Jose International, which makes for easy trips home. The Bay Area has something for everyone, and whether you enjoy surfing, skiing and the outdoors or bookstores and coffee shops, you’ll find your place here.
The University’s neighbors – companies like Google, Facebook, Apple and NASA — are among the top employers of SCU graduates. But the campus’s connection to its community goes beyond internships, experiential learning and employment opportunities. Santa Clara students are encouraged to interact with the diverse surrounding community, and many are involved in number of ways such as activism and volunteering.
Santa Clara has six colleges, three offering undergraduate degrees – the College of Arts and Sciences, Leavey School of Business and the School of Engineering. It offers more than 50 majors and opportunities to double major. Popular majors include Finance, Communications, Psychology and Economics.
The average class size is 21 and the student to faculty ratio 11:1. It is a Jesuit, Catholic university with a curriculum that blends high-tech innovation with social consciousness. The University welcomes students of every faith and background, as well as students who aren’t religious. All students are required to take three Religious Studies courses.
The campus is vibrant and growing. The new Edward M. Dowd Art and Art History building, which opened in 2016, joined existing music, theater and dance facilities to create an art quadrant. In 2021, the school will open the Sobrato Campus for Discovery and Innovation, a new collaborative hub for tech and humanities. Last year, the school introduced the innovative REAL Program (Real Experience, Actual Learning), which supports paid summer internships, research and creative projects for students in the College of Arts and Sciences. In all disciplines, students have the opportunity to do research as undergrads and to try out skills and gain work experience in the innovative Bay Area.
At Santa Clara, all first-years and most sophomores live in RLCs (Residential Learning Communities), which are housed in eight of the campus’s 10 residence halls. Each RLC is built around one or two broad themes, like community service or contemporary world issues, which makes it easy for students to find a home to match their interests. The University’s Greek life is off campus.
Outside of class, students are active. Campus is buzzing with NCAA Division I sports, music, theater, guest lectures, spiritual retreats, intramural and club sports, movies, volunteer opportunities, concerts and more than 150 campus organizations. Almost every student is in an organization; many in two, three or more.
Undergraduate enrollment at Santa Clara is about 5,500 and class size is about 1350. The University has Nov. 1 EA and ED deadlines and a Jan. 7 ED 2 deadline. The acceptance rate for the school’s Class of 2023 was 47 percent. Characteristics of that class include:
Admissions considers personal factors as well as GPA and test scores, such as an applicant’s activities outside of class, recommendations, life experiences and essays.
Cost/Financial Aid
For 2018-2019, tuition including room and board and fees, was about $69,000. With additional costs (books and supplies, transportation, etc.) it is about $74,800. Financial Aid reduces these expenses for 80 percent of students through scholarships, grants, loans and campus employment.
Who would be happy here?
Students looking for rigorous academics, athletics, diversity, and a beautiful location. Santa Clara is a Jesuit college with a commitment to social justice, so it’s a good fit for students who share that commitment. Because of its location, it’s a great option for students looking for internships in Silicon Valley.
Are you a College Expert student interested in adding Santa Clara University to your list? Visit www.scu.edu to learn more and talk with Sue or Ryan about whether it’s a good fit for you.
US News & World Report recently published an article on what to look for when hiring a college consultant. In the article, Mark Sklarow, CEO at Independent Educational Consultant Association (IECA), discusses how IECA members (like Sue & Ryan) must undergo background checks and adhere to ethical standards and practices. In addition to IECA membership, Sklarow also says to look for a counselor who:
Here is the US News & World Report article – What to Look For When Hiring a College Consultant
Read our April 2019 College Expert Newsletter.
Here are the topics in this month’s newsletter.
What university ranks in the top 50 and offers a rich cultural experience in the South? Read Caroline’s freshman year update on Tulane University.
Dear parents and students,
These past few days, many of our clients have asked us about the college admissions scandal – news that saddened and outraged us, just as it did many of you. This time of year, we would rather be talking about our own students who are preparing to graduate and receiving acceptance letters to schools on their own merit. Their personal drive and self-initiative makes this week’s news even more difficult to hear.
At College Expert, we strive to understand each of our students and help them to find their right college fit. As educational consultants, this is always our focus and it takes precedence over college rankings and competitiveness. We firmly believe there are many wonderful institutions of higher education and many paths to academic success and happiness.
We are proud to be members of HECA and (Higher Education Consultants Association) the IECA (Independent Educational Consultants Association) and we are guided by the ethical standards set forth by these organizations. The following principles, which are elaborated on in an IECA statement released Tuesday, guide us in our work with students.
We believe:
We are honored to work with your family. As always, please let us know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
The College Expert Team
College Expert is proud to be a member of IECA, which responded to today’s news with this statement. We share their commitment to ethics and personal fit when guiding our students.
We love a new trend we’re hearing about in local high schools. A recent article in the StarTribune said Minnetonka, Edina, Eden Prairie and Stillwater school districts are tapping into young people’s desire to do good by giving them the opportunity to earn varsity letters in community service. Have any of you lettered in kindness? We’d love to hear about it!
Read our March 2019 College Expert Newsletter.
Here are the topics in this month’s newsletter.
By Kris Olson
My visit to Tulane, a private university in New Orleans, Louisiana, was amazing in so many ways. As a first-time visitor, I had no idea what to expect. All I had ever heard about New Orleans was the craziness of Bourbon Street and Mardi Gras and, of course, the devastating effects of hurricane Katrina. But the experience I had at Tulane, and in the city of New Orleans, gave me a picture vastly different from what I had imagined. Not that I had a negative picture, I just didn’t know how the university fit into the surroundings of the city of New Orleans, or NOLA as students often refer to it. What I discovered was that Tulane considers itself part of the fabric of New Orleans; the city is a cultural center, with amazing opportunities for learning, serving the community, music, dance and, of course, incredible food! Students are urged to, “embrace the place, and become part of the city.”
It’s hard to talk about Tulane without talking about the city of New Orleans. “The city is a cultural center, a brain magnet, attracting yuppies from all over,” according to Associate Director of Admissions, Lindsey Hoyt. Tulane is a part of the community; and the community is a part the college. Commitment to public service is a requirement of the Core Curriculum at Tulane, enabling students to become involved in any number of different organizations and projects in and around the city. Those service opportunities can often directly relate to the student’s academic major.
Location-wise, as it relates to the much talked about French Quarter, Tulane is about a 45-minute ride on the scenic and historic St. Charles Street Car.; Hopping off the Street Car at the Tulane stop, I instantly noticed, right across the street, the St. Charles Avenue entrance to the beautiful Audubon Park, where students were running around the Audubon Lagoon, picnicking and studying in the grass. Families, too, were enjoying the park, photographing the waterfowl and playing Frisbee. Crossing St. Charles Avenue, I headed to the Tulane University entrance and Gibson Hall, which houses the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
Tulane is considered a selective university; meaning that the average GPA of students admitted is 3.6, and the range of ACT scores is 30-33. Admittance to Tulane is highly competitive; students should have a strong high school record including honors, AP or IB courses, but successful applicants are also actively involved in their schools and communities.
Tulane is a small-to-medium size school, with an undergraduate enrollment of 7,600 (2018); but don’t let the small size fool you. Tulane is an important research institution, offering a large variety of research opportunities and leadership options for curious, motivated students.
“At Tulane, it’s important to remember that ‘good fit’ doesn’t necessarily mean ‘comfort’ — You should stretch yourself, challenge yourself, and use your time here to grow academically and socially,“ said Hoyt during an extremely well-attended information session. Tulane allows you to do this through their flexible curriculum. When you apply as a freshman, you do not apply to a certain school, and have the flexibility to figure out what you like and what you are good at before choosing you major.
“One of the best things about Tulane,” said Linnea, a current freshman, “is having the ability to take classes from any one of the 5 colleges, making it easier to explore classes before choosing a major at the end of sophomore year. Another student (my tour guide) was an architecture major, but has also enjoyed taking classes in business and art. He also raved about the URBANbuild program, where architecture students have the opportunity to actually build a home. If you are interested in architecture, check it out on the Tulane.edu website!
Tulane’s flexible curriculum is a huge draw for students interested in gaining an interdisciplinary education. A full 30-percent of Tulane students double, or even triple, major. The smaller class size is also a big plus, averaging 23 students per class (in majors), or an 8:1 student to faculty ratio. Faculty is known for being highly accessible to students.
Some of the most popular majors at Tulane are: Business, Management, Marketing, Public Health, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, and Social Sciences and Related Support Services, Health Professions, Science and Engineering, and Architecture, among others.
Students at Tulane have a positive affect on the community around them. On campus, there are 200+ clubs and organizations, and students love to be involved. One of the favorite, and most unique, programs on campus is called TUSTEP, a service-dog training program. Puppies on campus – what could be more fun!
Greek life is popular as well, and about 40% of students participate. Rush takes place 2nd semester in order to give freshman students time to adjust to college life, make friends and decide whether or not Greek life is for them. There are so many activities to choose from and become involved in, that being “Greek” is not a must-do for anyone.
Tulane’s D1 sports teams are very popular, and school spirit thrives on campus. The club teams are also competitive and travel for match-ups.
Tulane is a university offering amazing opportunities to learn, do research, and find your career path. For more information on everything from academic majors to cost of tuition, refer to the Tulane.edu website.
For those students not hitting the beach this spring break, college visits might be on the docket. But walking around campus and checking out the library and dining hall aren’t the only things you should do to make the most of your school stopover.
A school visit requires a little planning before you go. Evaluating a college isn’t just about the campus exterior, but whether it’s a good match for your academic path and personal preferences. These are things you should consider before pulling into the parking lot.
Here are some tips from College Expert for planning your college tours and making the most of your time on campus:
1. Choose a variety of colleges
Carefully choose a variety of colleges to visit and make sure you have some “reach” colleges, schools where you are likely to be accepted, and affordable colleges that fit your budget. Visit a large public university, a small private college, an urban campus, and a college in a small town to get a sense of what feels right to you.
2. Schedule your visit at least a month in advance
Most colleges offer morning and afternoon information sessions and tours year-round, Monday through Friday. They may have special visit days, and sometimes they offer visits on Saturday mornings. Sign up at least one month before you go, and be sure to spend at least a half day at each college. You can visit two colleges a day if you plan it right.
3. Learn about the college beforehand
Read material from the colleges you are visiting and check out their websites. Look for things that interest you that you may want to learn more about during your visit. Doing some research ahead of time may also prevent you from asking an embarrassing question, such whether they have an engineering program when it says they do on their website.
4. Explore the college community
When you are visiting an out-of-town college, stay at a hotel close to the college you plan to visit. Check out local restaurants, shops, and recreational options near campus. As a student, you will spend most of your time on campus, but the surrounding community may still play a part in the overall fit. Drive by the admissions office ahead of time so you know where it is and where parking is available. Make sure you have the GPS address for the information session/tour, not just the general campus address. It is usually, but not always, held at the admissions office.
5. Participate in the information session
Information sessions are usually led by an admissions counselor who will give an overview of academics, campus life and admissions. Ask questions that help you clarify the academic programs that interest you and the type of student who is most comfortable and successful there. Pay close attention to the admission requirements and deadlines.
6. Take the student-led campus tour
Take advantage of the opportunity to learn about campus life on the student-led tour. A student can provide insight about the social scene, school spirit and the overall fit. Find out if students stick around on weekends. If you visit a dorm, picture yourself living there. Pay attention to the library and other study areas where you would spend a lot of time. Most importantly, can you relate to the students who go there?
7. Explore campus life beyond academics
If you are an athlete, checkout the athletic facilities. If you are a performing arts student, check out the theater and concert halls. Look for clues about what campus life is like. Every tour will take you to the student center where students eat and hang out. But investigate further. Read notices posted in the dorms or on bulletin boards. Pick up the student newspaper and read the articles. Can you see yourself there?
8. Eat lunch in the student center; watch student interactions
Observe the students. Are they sitting by themselves with their headphones on or are they laughing and talking with each other? Do you feel comfortable among them? What do you think of the dining options? Feel free to strike up a conversation with a student. Let them know you are touring and ask for their impression of the college.
9. Arrange for campus meetings in your areas of interest
Learn as much as you can while you are on campus. For example, the admissions office may be able to help you set up a meeting with a coach, or if you are a musician, with the music department. Occasionally they will also let you sit in on a class. If you know a classmate attending that college, try and find a time to meet and get their impressions as well.
10. Write down your impressions; send a thank
If you don’t stop to record your thoughts, different schools may begin to blur together. Keep a list of pros and cons for comparison. (Consider taking photos to help you keep track of the campuses you visit.) Evaluate the campus environment and note your impressions. Is it too big or too small for you? How would you get around campus – particularly in the rain or snow? Is it easy to get home? If you apply to that college, you may need to write an essay about why you would like to attend. If necessary, you can revisit your notes for details you may have forgotten.
After you’ve completed your spring break visits, don’t forget to send a thank-you email to your assigned admissions counselor letting him or her know you visited the campus. Refer to your notes, and reinforce what you loved about the school.
Finally, since it is spring break, make your college visits as memorable and enjoyable as any vacation. Be a tourist, go to interesting restaurants, take in athletic events or theater productions, see the local sights and enjoy spending time with your family.
Browse College Expert Blogs for more information about college visits and college planning.
Bring your Notebooks! Parents and students are encouraged to attend this workshop. College Expert® will outline the admissions process, provide you with a college prep timeline you can start as early as freshman year, and so much more! Parents, better understand your role in this process. Read more details about the presentation on the Ferguson Tutoring event page.
RSVP is not necessary but encouraged.
Read our February 2019 College Expert Newsletter.
Here are the topics in this month’s newsletter.
