Maximize a College Rep Visit

It’s a rare opportunity to have time with a college admissions counselor. You may be able to set an appointment, virtually or in-person, with one by logging onto a college’s website. However, chances are that many reps will be visiting your high school in-person September through October. This is an ideal time to listen to their presentation and then inquire about student life at their school. Reps are eager to market their institution and give you insider’s information about life as a student. They are often the first reader of applications coming from your high school and geographical area. If reps from colleges you’re interested in are not visiting your school, they may be visiting another school in your area. Check with sister high schools in your area for visitor policies. Below are some tips to leverage this free opportunity and get the most mileage out of your time spent together.

• If you are in high school, you are the correct age to attend these information sessions. Do a little investigation of the college ahead of time so you know a bit about the college. Their websites are very informative.

• Find out your high school’s college rep schedule and plan in advance to attend sessions. Be sure to follow your school’s attendance procedures if this means missing class.

• At the session, introduce yourself and let the rep meet you in the environment of your particular high school.

• After the general presentation, be prepared to ask a question. See below for some suggestions. These should not be questions which the website could provide the answer. Dig a little deeper. This is your personal time to gain insight which isn’t obvious to all.

• Thank the rep for their time. A smile and courtesy go a long way in making a good impression.

• Spend some time processing this information. Start deciphering what is important and unimportant to you about different schools and campuses. If a particular college stands out, add it to your college list, go to their website and sign up for emails, follow on their social media accounts.

Idea starters for thoughtful questions:

If you want to know more about how to leverage your current situation, consider asking…

What can I do while in high school to prepare myself well for college?

If you think your personality fits into the academic and social scene on campus ask questions such as……

What is a special tradition on campus which is popular with most students?

What is the student vibe on campus? Liberal or conservative? Political activists? Competitive or collaborative?

If you are curious about diversity, ask direct and specific questions such as……..

What percentage of professors are people of color? How many of your students are Pell Grant eligible? What resources are on campus for students of color? Does a non permanent resident who graduates from a US high school complete your stand admission application?

Leverage this unique opportunity to learn personalized information on how a college meets your individual criteria.

– Ann Voorhees is founder of Ann Voorhees College Consulting

ann@annvoorhees.com