June, July and August are months when college campuses receive large numbers of campus visitors. Campus visit programs sponsored by admissions offices, including Information Sessions, campus tours, open houses and special visit days, are posted on the admissions websites for each college or university. Information is easily accessible for planning a full day or half day visit on a specific college campus. While a full semester of classes may not be in session during the Spring or Summer semesters, there are many opportunities to learn about the college or university through admissions office sponsored programs.
The Joyce Ivy Foundation recently gathered many college admissions experts, including admissions officers, guidance counselors and community leaders, at an annual May symposium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Some of their suggestions about questions to ask during a campus visit are provided as ideas for students and families. All of these experts suggest that the goal of the campus visit is to "find a good fit." Questions to consider asking during your visit, which explore information beyond the traditional admissions and financial aid questions, include the following varied topics:
The Joyce Ivy Foundation recently gathered many college admissions experts, including admissions officers, guidance counselors and community leaders, at an annual May symposium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Some of their suggestions about questions to ask during a campus visit are provided as ideas for students and families. All of these experts suggest that the goal of the campus visit is to "find a good fit." Questions to consider asking during your visit, which explore information beyond the traditional admissions and financial aid questions, include the following varied topics:
- What kinds of activities are students involved in outside the classroom? How many clubs or organizations do students participate in on average each academic year? How easy is it to be involved in student leadership development opportunities?
- How often do students interact with peers of different racial or ethnic backgrounds or social, political or religious views?
- How does the college or university measure the level of academic and non academic engagement of the undergraduates? How is student satisfaction evaluated and how is the information shared with the student body to create positive change?
- Do students and faculty serve as partners on college or university committees?
- How many students study abroad per semester/term, for what length of time and where?
- Are interdisciplinary degrees available? Can one double major or modify a major or minor?
- How do undergraduates participate in research? What percentage of undergraduates select this as an academic option? Are research grants available?
- How accessible are university or college undergraduate and graduate libraries and technology resources?
- What annual data is available on job placement and graduate and professional school placement? When does career advising become available and how do students learn about these opportunities?
- Are there "first year programs", living learning communities or senior thesis opportunities available for undergraduates?
Our experts join us with the recommendation to create a list of questions to keep as a reference for each campus visit. Add questions that are meaningful or critical to specific areas of interest and keep notes following each visit. Think about how the campus appears and feels even in the summer months. The information and the impressions support the college selection process, "finding the right fit."
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