College Visit Preparation

December 14, 2008College Visits

WHY VISIT COLLEGES? STEPS FORMS ADMISSIONS GUESSING GAME NEXT YEAR – CHANGES TO PROGRAM

“Home” for the next 4 years. Will I be happy living here?Will I enjoy the type of classes I

take?Will I like the people I work

with?Will I like the system here?

AcademicDo they offer the major I am

interested in?Is the workload “just right” for

me?What special things does this

college offer?

Call the Admissions Office. Schedule a visit with an admissions officer Schedule a campus tour. Roaming around campus on your own.

2 schools per day. Give yourself ample time to roam the campus

before or after the interview.

Be Punctual! Plan for

Get Write

TALK

TALK

DISTAN

CE

DISTAN

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How large are all of your classes? Who teaches you in these classes?

(Graduate assistants or professors? Does this school have a core

curriculum? How restrictive is it? Is there a foreign language requirement?

How adequate is the library? The computer facilities?

When do you have to declare your major? What are the most popular majors?

Are some dorms much better than others? Are dorm rooms wired? Do many students live off campus? Why?

Do students seem to work primarily for grades? How competitive are the students?

How accessible is the faculty? Can you tell me anything first-hand about

the _____________ department? What’s the biggest issue in local campus

politics?

What percentage of students study abroad at some time?

What impact do fraternities/sororities have here? Athletics?

What are weekends like? Are there alternatives to the typical party scene?

How active is student government? What activities are popular?

Are the arts supported here? What do you think is the greatest

shortcoming of this college? What do students complain about?

What do you like best about your experience and education here?

Where do students come from? Is this a diverse community?

Why did you choose this school? What others did you apply to?

What kinds of kids do you think are happiest here? Least happy?

If you could attend another college now, where would you go? Why?

http://www.collegeweeklive2008.com/en_CA/visitors/app-lobbyCollege HallARCHIVED PRESENTATIONS

Inside the College Admissions Process http://collegeprowler.com/

Subscription (CP?)

https://www.collegedata.com/cs/admissions/admissions_tracker.jhtml

http://www.wsjclassroomedition.com/pdfs/wsj_college_092503.pdfTop 50 feeder schools to top MBA, Law,

Med Schools

http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2008/0519/030.html CEOs and their Colleges (Brilliant)

http://www.ensmp.fr/Actualites/PR/EMP-ranking.html Time Higher Ed - world U

http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/hybrid.asp?typeCode=243&pubCode=1&navcode=137

Newsweek http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Top_100_Global_Universities

FOR TECH ED AND SCIENCES - WUHAN U R$ANKING http://rccse.whu.edu.cn/college/sjdxkyjzl.htm

SEPTEMBER1.Begin and continue a thorough self-examination of your abilities and interests.2.Study hard and get good grades. Set your academic goals now.3.Think about careers.4.Try a sport, club or other activity. (the more unique the better – but something you enjoy)5.Begin your resume6.READ

OCTOBER1.Plan and become involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, etc.2.Position yourself for leadership in at least one area.3.Keep up your grades. Be sure teachers know you care.4.READ as much as you can. This has a huge effect on your vocabulary, hence your standardized test results.

NOVEMBER1.Investigate the kinds of education available: two-year colleges, four-year colleges, universities, professional schools and more.2.What are your college-related goals? Are you interested in the top tier, most selective schools?3.Talk to your counselor about your ideas and ask questions. Get to know them as well as your teachers.

DECEMBER1.If not already done, start a checklist of personal preferences in selecting colleges: selectivity, size, location, etc.2.Start your list of 10-12 target schools (It will likely change several times.)3.READ over break!4.Fill your spare time with community service, volunteer work and activities. (This will all go on your college apps.)

JANUARY1.Think about college visits.2.Keep up your grades. Freshman year DOES count!3.READ!4.Download the Common App for college and fill it out with your record as it stands today.5.Fill out the app as realistically as you can as if you were a Senior.6.Create an improvement plan.

FEBRUARY1.Visit nearby campuses if you are interested in local schools. 2.Keep up your grades. Do extra credit whenever possible. Strive for A’s and B’s in all classes

MARCH1.Put forth your best effort!(improvement counts) 2.Plan a challenging schedule for next year. (such as AP classes) Colleges look for indications that each student has tried to take the strongest possible course of study.

APRIL1.Plan a productive summer – community service, volunteer work, extra classes, sports camp, summer school, unusual experience, job, 2.Talk to your counselor about what might help your resume.

MAY1.Study hard for final exams.

JUNE1.Have a fun and productive summer!

SEPTEMBER1.Sign up to take PSAT.2.(Good practice for next year when you will be eligible for the National Merit Scholarship competition)3.Consider taking a career assessment test if offered.4.Start or continue your “brag sheet” or resume.5.Maintain good grades; READ! (Sophomore and Junior grades almost always count the most)

OCTOBER1.Take the PSAT.2.Attend any college-oriented school meetings.3.Start or continue your resume.4.Get to know your teachers. Be sure they know you are a serious student.5.Research careers using the internet and/or high school resources. 6.Talk to adults about their careers. What appeals to you?

NOVEMBER1.Investigate colleges using the internet or books.2.Focus on academics. Do extra credit whenever it is offered.3.Time permitting, fill your resume categories with community service or activities.4.Think about what makes you unique (this may become your “ACE”)

DECEMBER1.READ! 2.(this can make a BIG difference on your SAT scores)3.Use your holiday to research schools and think about summer opportunities.4.(remember, college apps will ask for some combination of paid employment, clubs, community service, summer programs, activities, honors and awards)5.Talk to older friends about their college experience and what campus life is like at their school.

JANUARY1.Investigate colleges using computer search programs. 2.Use your PSAT scores to help indicate what may/may not be realistic for you.3.Also use your PSAT scores to project what test prepping you might want/need to do to reach your goals.4.Research different careers using the internet.

FEBRUARY 1.Search for relevant summer activities that support your “ACE” (unique area of interest, talent etc.)2.Talk to your counselor about your ideas and to ask questions.3.Keep up your grades and do extra credit whenever you can. Show you care.

MARCH1.Can you start to identify 10-12 target schools? You can modify the list as you go.2.Get the admission stats & download applications for a couple of your top schools – see what they expect!3.Register for AP exams if you will be completing an AP class this year.

APRIL1.Register for June II Subject Tests in academic subjects you may complete this year (such as chemistry, physics, etc.) if this year represents your “peak” in that subject.2.Visit some nearby colleges over break.3.Be sure you are in your target schools’ databases so you will receive information from them.

MAY1.Make use of your summer:2.(college classes, special programs, community service, job, SAT prep etc)3.Prep for SAT II’s as needed. (there are books available in every SAT II subject area)4.Study for finals. Keep those grades high.5.Consider Summer School if appropriate or you need to repeat a class.

JUNE1.Take II Subject Test if appropriate. (some schools will require 2 or 3 different subjects)2.Refine your target list of schools and be sure it meets the “RRR” range test. Fill out worksheet.3.Hopefully you’ve planned a fun yet productive summer!4.Don’t forget to READ!

SEPTEMBER1.Register for PSAT. 2.Continue refining your list of target schools. 3.Research schools on the internet or via books and visits.4.Update your resume with any new information.5.Plan next two years’ extra-curricular and community service activities. 6.Think about when to take the SAT or ACT tests – develop your tentative “test plan”

OCTOBER1.Take PSAT to be eligible for national Merit Scholarship competition. 2.Study hard! Aim for A or B grade point average. Do extra credit whenever you can.3.Start a personal file updating information for your resume. 4.Locate and organize all awards, articles, prizes etc. earned.5.Acquaint yourself with resources at your school.

NOVEMBER1.Keep grades up. Improvement counts.2.Get to know your junior year teachers, as these may be the best ones for letters of recommendation.3.Take SAT Subject Tests, such as Language Tests With Listening, if appropriate. 4.Continue research on specific colleges.5.Improve your vocabulary! Learn 20 new words a week.6.Think about college majors.7.READ!

DECEMBER1.Study Hard! 2.Take SAT Subject Tests if appropriate.3.Register for SAT if you would like to take it in January. 4.Receive results of PSAT/NMSQT. Use results to develop a prepping strategy to improve your SAT scores as needed.5.READ over break!6.Fill up your spare time with as much community service, volunteer work, club or sport activity etc. as you can

JANUARY1.Continue college research.2.Compare PSAT and projected SAT results to the averages at your target schools· 3.First chance to take the SAT.4.Be sure to have your Social Security Number and your school CEEB code number. 5.Consider SAT prepping for the March or May tests

FEBRUARY1.Register for SAT if you would like to take it in March.2.Begin to prepare for SAT or ACT.3.Remember how important junior grades are for your class rank and college apps.4.Plan a challenging Senior curriculum.5.(An easy schedule can cost you an acceptance.)

MARCH1.Research interesting and challenging summer courses, jobs or volunteer activities.2.Have your target list down to 10-12 schools.3.Plan college visits to nearby colleges.4.Register for SAT, ACT or SAT Subject Tests if you plan to take any in May. 5.Sign up for AP tests in your AP class subjects.6. Plan a challenging Senior schedule – no Senioritis!

APRIL1.ACT testing2.Plan an interesting and challenging summer.3.Get into the databases (mailing lists) of your target schools (via internet)4.Attend college fairs. 5.Write letters of intent to the service academies if applicable. (military)6.Prep for AP exams if applicable7.College visits during Spring Break? 8.Think about financing college – will you need aid?9.READ!

MAY1.SAT testing2.(many counselors think it is best to reserve May and June for SAT Subject exams in the subjects you will be finishing this year)3.Students who will be applying Early Decision or Early Action should try to complete all testing during junior year. 4.Take your AP exams.5.Don’t forget to study for your high school finals!!6.Use Scholarship Search programs to investigate scholarships that might be available to you.

JUNE1.SAT and ACT tests as desired.2.Arrange college tours for summer. Call Admissions office of schools to set up tours and interviews. 3.Visit colleges. Take tours and do interviews if offered.4.Do something extra with your resume in mind. Develop your “ACE”! 5.Prep for SAT’s and work on vocabulary – READ!6.Keep extra curricular activity and community service efforts going. 7.Refine your college list.

SEPTEMBER

1.Get a file “bin” and set up a file for each target school.2.Attend all high school college-related meetings.3.Meet with counselor and ask questions.4.Identify all the application deadlines for your schools and fill out checklist.5.Get your school’s CEEB code and have it handy along with your SS#.6.Finalize your resume.7.Prep for final SAT/ACT testing and register.8.Ask teachers for letters of recommendation if your colleges want them.9.Request interviews at privates whenever they are available.10.Get a good senior picture, formal or informal.11.Print practice apps for all your schools even if you will be doing them on-line.12.Review your Handbook carefully.

OCTOBER 1.Take SAT/ACT as needed (register for Nov/Dec).2.Work on applications.3.See if college applications are on the internet yet 4.(be sure they are for the right admission term) If so, download & print them for practice and/or get the essays.5.Think about essay topics. Brainstorm.6.Keep grades up! Many schools will request your senior grades in their decision process.7.Are you taking the SAT again?8.Did you obtain all letters of recommendation needed?9.Decide about applying early decision – you can only do one!10.If you’re an athlete, talk to coach(es).11.Polish your resume for the last time!12.Are any of your target schools visiting your high school?

NOVEMBER

1.Attend any workshops/ meetings offered by your high school.2.Think about financial aid needs.3.Work on essays and applications.4.Watch deadlines! (many early applications are due in November! )5.Don’t procrastinate with your apps! The earlier the better.6.Want to take the SAT one more time?7.Have your high school send transcripts to colleges that want them.8.Send thank you notes to anyone who helped you (letters of recommendation etc).9.Be sure your SAT/ACT scores have been sent to all your colleges after your last test. Send AP scores as well if they are strong.10.Make sure that your parents obtain a Federal Student Aid PIN.

DECEMBER

1.This is likely your last chance at the standardized tests – use it if you need it.2.Study Hard! You can’t afford to let your grades slip.3.(first semester grades may be used in decisions) Be sure to report your test scores to all your colleges. 4.Use the internet to research scholarships.5.Finish any remaining applications! Proof them over and over.6.Have others read your essays to be sure they are captivating and demonstrate something unique about you.7.Think about financial aid needs and familiarize yourself with the forms.8.Keep copies of everything you send.9.If accepted Early Decision, inform other schools.

JANUARY

1.The last of the applications should be due this month for Fall admission.2.Are your test scores sent?3.Transcripts sent as required?4.Letters of recommendation in?5.Obtain FAFSA forms and file as soon as you can after Jan 1;6.Consider using CSS/PROFILE for aid if your college(s) take it. (College Board website)7.You may need a GPA verification form for some state grants. (research this).8.Attend financial aid workshops at your school or elsewhere.

FEBRUARY

1.Finish financial aid forms. Timing matters! Being late can literally cost you.2.Tell your parents you will need their 1040 tax information (as current as possible, last years at least)3.You can estimate the financial aid you will receive.4.Have school send updated transcripts or mid year reports if needed.5.Pay attention to correspondence from colleges.6.Keep your grades up! Offers can be rescinded!

MARCH

1.FAFSA form due (Review the SAR you will receive to be sure it is using the right data)2.Register for AP tests.3.Wait for acceptance letters!4.( Pay attention to housing forms in acceptance letters. There may be deadlines and preference options)5.Consider appealing a rejection.(if it was your first choice and you have some reason for them to reconsider you)6.Notify your counselor when you receive college decisions and write waitlist letters if appropriate.

APRIL

1.Congrats on all your acceptances! You must generally select a school by May 1.2.Final campus visits if needed to help make your decision.3.Talk to people who can help you decide: alumni, older friends who are there, parents, and your counselor.4.Prepare for AP tests and finals.5.Review and discuss financial aid offers as part of your decision making process. These can be appealed also.

MAY

1.Most of your schools must be notified by May 1 with an SIR form.2.Plan summer employment.3.Pay attention to housing and meal plan information contained in your acceptance letter(s).4.Inform the schools you will NOT be attending as well.5.If needed, research loans (PLUS, Stafford etc) to make up for any financial gap after aid results are known.6.Study for finals and APs! (use prep books?)

JUNE

1.Order final transcript and anything else to be sent to your college.2.Consider computer needs for next Fall (notebooks, wireless connections, etc)3.Attend all orientations at your college.4.Do some extra research on your college to think about what activities you will pursue.5.Respond to any financial aid offers you received. 6.Keep READING!7.Have a great summer and look forward to the amazing adventure that

awaits you!

That which we are, we are; One equal temper of heroic hearts, Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.