Why Colleges Visits Are So Important
Daniel Z. Kane
The first rule in choosing a college is to visit each and every college you are seriously considering. The reason college visits are so important is that they give you the opportunity to:
1. view all of the campus, not just the parts of it shown in the college publications or pictured on the website.
2. see if the town in which the college is located and the area around it offers what you seek in in terms of recreational opportunities, entertainment, part time employment opportunities, etc.
3. spend some time in a classroom and observe student-faculty interaction.
4. ask students direct questions about campus life, what they like about the college, and what, if anything, they would like to change.
5. hear from and ask questions of an admissions counselor. Admissions counselors are generally very knowledgeable, so listen closely and don't hesitate to ask questions.
6. determine if the campus environment feels comfortable. Do students seem serious about academics? Are they welcoming? Do students and faculty appear to interact well? Are there any unpleasant surprises?
If you are lucky, you may even get to speak with a professor in your area of interest, attend a lecture or social event, or spend an evening in a campus residence hall.
Be sure to take advantage of every opportunity you are given to see facilities, meet students and faculty, and attend on-campus events. By doing so you are almost certain to be able to make informed choices about the colleges you visit.
Daniel Kane has produced a number of popular educational websites on educational subjects which include http://www.college-scholarships.com/ssac.htm) online college degrees and http://www.online-degrees-and-scholarships.com/ online colleges.
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