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Who Should Follow This Page? |
Campus Visits & Interviews
What to See and Do During Free Time on Your
Campus Visit
- Review the Campus
Visit Checklist for things to do and see.
- Attend any informational sessions offered. Informational
sessions may include special instructions for financial aid applications,
entrance requirements, etc. Attend and take notes.
- If you have the time, sit in on a class of a subject
that is of interest to you. This will give you a brief glimpse
of the academic environment. How is the size of the classroom,
number of students, professor’s attitude, and level of student
competition? Check with a professor to see if you can sit
in on a class.
- Wander around campus by yourself. Eavesdrop
on students to hear what they’re talking about. Ask students
questions, they won’t lie. Are they happy? Stressed
out? Bored? Enthusiastic? Stand in front of
the library and ask, “Where’s the library?” Investigate
the spirit of the student body – are they pleasant and helpful
or cold and uncaring? Additionally, when you walk around campus
ask directions frequently. Talk with students and hang out at
the student center building. Look at the way students are dressed
and the cars they drive to get an idea of the type of students at each
campus – are they people you are compatible with?
- Wander the hallways where professors have their offices. Are
their doors open? Are students nearby or talking with professors? Are
office hours posted?
- Speak with students who are members in clubs you
want to join or who participate in activities you’re interested
in. Find out about Greek life – are there sororities and
fraternities at the college?
- Have lunch on campus. Observe students and
check out the quality of the food. The admissions office usually
gives visiting high school students and their parents free lunch passes.
- Look at notices posted on the bulletin boards around
campus. Read the bulletin board in the student center to
see what’s happening on a daily basis – guest lectures,
plays, parties, weekend events, etc.
- Listen to the college radio station.
- Drive around the area surrounding the campus. Does
it appeal to you? Notice the businesses, restaurants, available public
transportation, entertainment spots, shopping centers, grocery stores,
movie theaters, etc. in the area surrounding the campus.
- Read the local community newspaper to see what’s
happening in the city or town outside the college campus.
- Read the campus newspaper to find out what the day-to-day
student life is like on campus. Read letters to the editor in
the college newspaper; this is where you’ll find out about the
real issues on campus. What topics are the columnists concerned
with? How are the movie and music reviews? Do they match
your likes and dislikes? Read the ads. Try to find other
student publications, such as department newsletters, “underground” newspapers,
etc.
- Talk with a student or counselor in the career center.
- Talk with coaches of sports in which you may participate.
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