Gloria
What should I keep in mind as I start visiting universities?
I have to start visiting information sessions about colleges, like attending an information session about Dartmouth College in an upcoming week. Since this is my first ever information session, what should I keep in mind as I am about to attend one? I want to know how it would more or less go at an information session. Also, if there are some really good questions I should ask. #college #advice #helping-others #dartmouth #campus-visit
3 answers
Robin Martin
Robin’s Answer
When visiting universities you want to take the following into account:
size of the school - depending on your personality you may not do well on large campus settings. Too many students, too many activities, competition, popularity amongst other female students etc. Look for schools that fit your personality especially if it the first time away from home.
Look at what the universities and colleges has to offer. Look at their graduating rates; how many scholarships and grants are give to students
Check www.college.usnews,rankingsandreviews.com
Nicole Baillie
Nicole’s Answer
College campus visits can be super exciting especially if you get a chance to spend a few days on campus. If a student is in a position to be on campus for 2-4 days, they can get a sense of what the campus is like. Assessing how big the campus is... in that case some things to observe may include if it's a sprawling campus, how do students get around if they don't have a car? What, if any, cost is there for transportation on or near campus? If the student does have a car, do they have to pay to park anywhere on campus? If the campus is in more of a city setting, how long does it take to get from a dorm to a class if the student is on foot?
You likely will get to see the inside of some classrooms and hopefully your tour will include getting to chat with either some professors or teaching assistants. For sure, you can ask about the classes that you may need to take, including the pre-requisite classes. How long, how many? How many libraries are there and what are their hours?
Same for the cafeterias...how many are there, where are they, can they accommodate special dietary needs?
And of course, lots and lots of questions about the admissions process and financial options. How much is needed for admissions and by when? As mentioned in the previous answer, what scholarships does the school offer and how does the school handle scholarships that a student gets from other places? What does tuition actually cover? Is there separate/outside cost for dorm room and the food program?
As you might imagine, there is no shortage of questions to ask :). But getting a chance to visit college campuses can be a great experience and can open a student's eyes not only to the richness of campus life but how to make the most of your time there. Best of luck to you!
Marilynn Berberi
Marilynn’s Answer
- Distance from your house (or from your dorm/student residence)
- Possible means of transportation to use depending on the distance
- Campus landscape (optional but why not account for that)
- Registration process, tips and deadlines
- Tuition fees payment deadlines and financial support options
- Availability of an academic calendar (to track the main events, deadlines, dates, holidays etc.)
- Examination period and related tips
- Access to and use of university facilities (libraries, gym, track and field, sports courts, cafeterias, common spaces etc.)
- Recommended/useful clubs to join (from an entertaining, professional/career, sports perspective etc.)
- Availability of career counseling and support (for job opportunities, career fairs and events, assistance in CV and cover letter writings and interviews etc.)
- Useful/interesting optional or elective courses to take
- Main events held at the university during the year