Despite the fact that so many college admission discussions center on “getting in,” I often remind my students that college admissions is not a one way street: and now is the time for you to get in the driver’s seat.
It’s true that a lot of elements of the college application process are out of your hands, but once all the decisions are released, it’s important for you to make informed and empowered choices about where you see yourself thriving for the next four years. And May 1 (the traditional deadline to deposit at your chosen college) is coming up fast!
So, how do you make sure you properly weigh your options and select the school that is best for you? Visiting, of course, can be tremendously helpful—but there’s more to do than simply taking a tour or attending an info session:
Observe students in their element
University-sponsored events will likely showcase many of the major facilities on campus, but try to also seek out students in informal settings where you’ll see them going about their day-to-day routines.
When I was visiting schools, I’d always check out the library (yes, I was/am that much of a nerd). Amy recalls hunkering down in the student center to see friends and classmates interacting (plus, it doesn’t hurt to check out the dining options). If you’re interested in science, go explore the laboratory buildings… and if you like theatre, get tickets for a student production.
Whenever possible, try to chat with students along the way; it’s not just about assessing the facilities, but getting a firsthand look at the conversations and discoveries that may take place inside of them.
Explore the academics
Murilo sits in on a class at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
Sit in on a class in your area of interest—ideally one that’s meant for freshmen—to get a sense of the level of academic engagement and inquiry happening in the classroom.
Then, go visit the building where your academic department(s) of choice are housed—and see if the chair is available for a quick conversation about the curriculum. Just be sure to read up about the requirements and courses beforehand so you can ask informed questions.
Finally, many professors are excited to speak with incoming students about their interests, so look up some of the professors you might have mentioned in your “Why” essays and see if they might have some time to chat with you about their research.
Read the paper
Some of my fondest memories from college took place in the student newspaper office—and I genuinely believe that if you want to get a sense of what’s actually happening on a college campus (good and bad) and what students care about, read the newspaper.
Student publications can be an incredible resource for insight into a school. Op-eds offer a unique look into current debates taking place on campus, while the arts section or magazine will often provide a glimpse into the artistic and social happenings taking place.
Above all, enjoy yourself
While these strategies are especially relevant for seniors weighing their options for next fall, they’re also useful for sophomores and juniors embarking on college tours.
In this process, it can be easy to lose sight of the fact that you do have a choice in your end results, and the more informed you are, the better your outcomes will ultimately be.
So, go explore—and remember to have fun... You’ve earned it!