Newspapers




Fall 2008

Dr. Katherine Cohen, a college admissions expert, author, and founder of ApplyWise (www.ApplyWise.com), an online college counseling program, shares several "Dos & Don'ts" that students and their parents need to know before visiting colleges.

• Do visit campuses during your junior year but don't miss any classes. Holidays, spring break and weekends are a perfect time to plan those college road trips. Walking on campus while school is in session will help give you a true sense of campus life. Check to see if tours and information make a positive impression. Bring a checklist of your expectations and questions you want answered to make sure your visit is memorable.
• Do research the college before you visit. Don't visit without knowing the school's basics. Do some research about the school's academic programs and facilities before your campus visit. You'll impress the admissions officer during the information session by asking detailed questions that are unique to that campus. Yet, asking a generic question will not question: this will make a positive impression. Remember, this is not an interview, so don't monopolize the admissions officer's time. Admissions officers are very busy and you don't want to come off as an annoyance.
• Do explore campus on your own, but don't leave a campus tour without informing the tour guide ahead of time. Tours are designed to show visitors different facets of campus. However, if you need to leave early for any reason, know that you may miss some important facts. Also, let the tour guide know when you need to leave so you don't distract others. When you do have time to explore campus on your own, do make time to:
• Have lunch in campus dining center to meet current students. They are a great resource regarding life on and off campus. Imagine yourself as a student on that campus by interacting with students as much as possible.
• Explore the surrounding community. You'll be living there for four years so explore nearby resources such as restaurants, movie theatres, malls and places for employment.
• Do introduce yourself to your admissions officer, but don't monopolize his time. When you meet your admissions officer, have a brief, five-minute conversation about your interests. Ask one thoughtful, well researched sessions are available on those days you visit. Don't skip school to visit a college, though. You need to keep up with your academic obligations. Many universities have open houses on weekends and holidays to work around your academic schedule.
• Parents: Do listen to your child's opinions, but don't ask too many questions on the tour or information session. Let your student do the talking. Overbearing parents who ask many questions are not only embarrassing, but prevent the tour guide and admissions officer from sharing important information that others want to know. You can always ask your personal questions at the end of the tour or information session.
• Do send a thank you e-mail only if you are genuinely interested in a school and made a personal connection. Don't send thank you notes that your parents have written. A sincere e-mail leaves a positive impression. Be mindful not to be insincere or over the top (like asking the tour guide to be your friend on FaceBook or MySpace) in your correspondence, as it may make you look desperate. Also, parents-do not write any of these letters for your children. Remember, this is their college search process.