Hey all!
Inspired by one of the juniors texting me frantically at 5 in the morning about a college visit, I decided to do a blog about college visiting. I will give helpful tips on how to ask the right questions, different "optionals" that some might take during a visit (meet with a coach, audition for theater, etc.), and my own thoughts to add to the mix.
1. Best Times for Visits
While some of you won't have as much control over this, what with extracurriculars, school, and money, there are "hotspot" times to visit schools.
-During Uni's spring break, many schools are still in class (they have a different calendar, for example)
-Summer is a good time because you won't miss assignments/games/school days, but the downside is you won't see the school when it's really, well, a school. You also won't get to see a class.
-Days off are excellent, especially if they are days we have off, but the school doesn't (Columbus Day for example, most colleges don't celebrate it!)
-Beginning/Middle of a Uni quarter is usually a great time because there won't be too many assignments you will miss. Avoid visiting schools during crunch time!
2. Scheduling
Many of you have already begun visiting schools, and so know how to schedule. For those who don't, most colleges have an online scheduling system. Unless you are visiting more than one school in a day, I highly recommend scheduling as many activities as you can during the visit. It'll make for a long day, but the experience is invaluable. For most people, that will mean you will have an informational session, a tour, lunch, a class, meeting with a professor, and/or chilling with a current student. Some of you might also use this time to meet with a coach, director, music-y person (lol at my life), or other particular leader, such as a priest or community service director. If the choice of meeting with a particular person is not available on the online scheduling, go ahead and shoot an email to the admissions staff of your school. Don't forget to provide them the particulars of your visit, including day of visit, time of tour/info session, etc. so that they can schedule your meeting with a particular person in a way that doesn't mess up your visit schedule.
3. Dress Code
Here, you want to strike a balance between comfort and dressy. Try to avoid the jerseys, the doorags, the t-shirts with messages on them, drooping pants, midriff-baring, and baseball hats. Jeans are quite okay, and khaki doesn't hurt :]. Shorts are fine too, as long as they aren't too inappropriate in length. Be sure you're comfortable, especially with your shoes--you will be walking a lot!
4. Questions
Okay, here is the crux of my college visit philosophy. There are two kinds of college questions: objective and subjective. While it is important to ask an objective question, many of those can be answered going through their pamphlets/website. To get the most out of your visit, do your research beforehand, and ask the SUBJECTIVE questions. Here is what I mean:
Instead of...
Do you offer (insert major here)?
You ask...
Is (insert major here) a popular major? or What kind of opportunities does this major provide? or On average how many people stick to this major? or What graduate schools/jobs do graduates with this major go to/get?
Instead of...
What club sports do you offer?
You ask...
How many students participate in club sports? or Is it a big part of the social life? or How much flexibility is there in practice/games?
Instead of...
Is there a Pre-Med program?
You ask...
What are popular majors for students in the Pre-Med track? or How does the advising staff work with students on the Pre-Med track?
Pretty much, you are taking objective questions which you probably already know the answers to, and changing them to subjective questions that fit your needs AND help you understand the school on a deeper level.
5. Tours
Well, the tours. Based on the time of your visit and the size of your school, the tour can range in size from just you and your posse, to 20 or so people. Types of people you might run into during your tour:
The Safety Parent: No, they aren't doing the Safety Dance or something like it. They are the parent worried beyond reason about safety. They will ask about cops, escorts, violence, accessibility to campus, accessibility to dorms, parties, drugs, and alcohol. Yes. They will ask about all of it. Their precious child is leaving home, so it is fully understandable. Please bear with it. In fact, tune in to the answers, some of that info is really helpful!
The Parent Full of Questions: 9 times out of 10, their child is the one in the very back, zoning out or texting. The parent is the one actually doing the visit. It is imperative that their child gets into the school. They will ask many questions. They will ask personal or obscure questions ("Johnny doesn't eat olives. How many dishes, on average, do you think serve olives in them?"). A touch of sympathy for these parents is necessary, because they have a kid who is not taking an active role in their college process. Please, seniors, don't be the kid in the back texting. This is YOUR future.
The Stuttery, Nervous Tour Guide: Many tour guides are funny, personable (a few are cute, like the Mario Lopez look-a-like I had one time...I mean what?). But some are nervous, all of them are college students (so they are young and inexperienced), and some just don't remember answers to questions. Some will find themselves repeating the same phrase "This is our new Gym, renovated in 2002, which is really cool. Over there is the main quad, which is really cool." Remember to give them patience, this is a hard job
Old Alums/Weird Parents: Old alums and weird parents have one thing in common. They monopolize. They ask questions, or have anecdotes, or general comments constantly. They will ask about old traditions. If they're youngish, they might ask about professors. They might ask questions that no 20 year old current student would ever know the answer to. Again, patience is necessary. If you have a question, wait for a moment when the parent pauses, then tap the guide on the shoulder and bring the attention to you. Trust me, the guide will be thankful.
A couple more general tips:
-Stay as close to the front as possible, so you can hear the info
-Don't be afraid to ask questions, it might help more than just you
-Avoid texting/phone calls
-Don't ever get caught up with the "Let's see who can care less" game that some fellow visitors might play
6. Meeting with a Professor
This is like a reverse interview. The professor might ask questions like "why are you interested in this major" or your opinions on certain topics relevant to the major. However, you get to ask most of the questions. Ask about classes, projects, internship options, homework load, type of homework (writing vs. reading vs. problems), teaching philosophy, types of books read (especially for humanities/social science classes), why they chose to go into that particular field of study, and expectations. Relax during the conversation! This should be even more natural than the conversation with the admissions counselor because you know going in you at least share one thing in common: interest in the same academic subject! I really enjoyed meeting with the college professor at Knox :D
7. Coach/Audition
If you are meeting with a coach, remember to have your numbers known, or if possible, an official document with your numbers. Ask about the program, expectations, weight lifting/training, practice times and intensity, games, rivalries :], dress code/supplies, level of involvement, and academic requirements (such as minimum GPA in order to be an athlete).
As for an audition, make sure you have the cd, dvd, written monologue, etc. as well as your artistic resume with you before you leave home, and again before you leave the car and/or hotel. Practice a couple of times, but don't over practice. Relax. Get plenty of sleep the night before, because little sleep can make you sluggish, or affect your voice. Be professional and friendly to the people you are auditioning to. Shine, you performer you :D. For particular requirements, be sure to look at your school's requirements.
8. Miscellaneous
-If a Uni alum goes there, don't be afraid to ask about meeting up. I met up with Lizzy Warner during my Knox visit, and it really was helpful.
-If there is something you dislike about the school, record it down before the end of the day, so you remember for your next college visit!
-Ask plenty of questions!
-Be prepared to dislike a school intensely. Conversely, be prepared to fall in love. It happens :]
WHEW. If there is anything I didn't address, but I should have, PLEASE let me know. I want to give as much helpful advice as possible, but this is a two way street.
-Celinda <3
Friday, July 15, 2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Interview with a College Admissions Counselor!
Seniors!
I have some exciting news. I've been keeping this a secret to its finality, but here it is!
I emailed my admissions counselor Sam Duplessis from UChicago. He happens to be the Assistant Director of Admissions, and also a friendly person :]. Though I am not attending UChicago, he graciously agreed to an interview about applying to highly selective schools. I want to say that many selective schools are fantastic, and you would have the time of your life there. Just remember to apply for the right reasons. Pretty much, only apply if it's a fit for YOU. I am so pleased to present the results of this interview. This is a person IN the college process, the one reading the applications, so you are all really lucky!
1) What kinds of courses do you recommend they take their senior year?
Students looking for admission to a highly selective school should maintain a broad and rigorous curriculum throughout high school. For many this entails four years of core subjects, such as math, science, English and history. Students are also encouraged to pursue rigorous courses in the arts, language and additional subject material of personal interest. Students can help themselves get noticed by taking extra classes in their area of interest at school, local colleges, online and by studying other course material in their free time (right, I know, “free time”).
2) How important is "showing interest" (visits, responding to emails, etc.)?
Showing interest in a school can be valuable and comes in many forms. Many colleges and universities appreciate it when a student is knowledgeable about the institution. Asking good questions, staying informed about current developments and spending some time with the website are all easy ways to do this. Showing interest and knowledge can be helpful to the admissions staff in determining a student’s fit with the school, particularly in cases where the college has distinctive academic or structural aspects, such as those that exist at UChicago. We know that many of our applicants may not be able to afford the time or expense of visiting each school and for this reason a campus visit does not affect the admissions decision. In the same vein, we do not require an interview as a part of the application process, though we are happy to provide one if possible.
N.B. When responding to emails, remember that every interaction with the admissions office is an opportunity to make a good impression. Avoid informal language or emails with just one word. You also might want to think about which email address you use to contact the institution (you choose: PrincessPancake@glittermail.com or Jane.Doe@gmail.com) [Blogger Note: I have mentioned this in a previous blog, but I will point it out again. BE PROFESSIONAL].
3) What are the three most important factors to you in the application process(essays, test scores, etc.)?
At UChicago, we practice holistic admission. This means that all parts of the application are considered equally. Rather than list areas where seniors have little or no control, like grades from freshman year, I’ll focus on some areas where students can exert some control. We encourage you to work hard on your essays and always allow time for revision. Essays are a great opportunity to demonstrate fit, intellectual qualities, deeper understanding of larger issues and individual personality. Much valuable information about an applicant can be gleaned from the essays, which is why we offer engaging and challenging essay prompts as an opportunity for our applicants to display the above mentioned skills. We also value leadership and broad involvement in your community, so make sure your résumé reflects this. As mentioned above, evidence of success in a broad and rigorous high school curriculum is also important. Course-work at UChicago (and many other highly selective schools) is demanding and engaging, thus we want to ensure that our incoming students are well-prepared for the challenge.
4) How focused should students be on test scores?
The deal is that most of the students who are admitted to UChicago do quite well on standardized tests (SAT or ACT), but because we read applications holistically, we are able to accommodate lower testers who show their academic and intellectual potential in other ways. That being said, there are many free opportunities to prepare for these exams by taking practice tests and learning about the types of questions and answers expected in each format. Do remember that no matter how you score, this is not a measure of you as a person.
5)What advice would you give to someone who is scared to apply?
Just go for it! The worst thing that can happen is that you won’t end up at UChicago next year. This is particularly good advice for someone who really wants to attend but doesn’t feel secure about it. Demonstrated passion for UChicago is something for which we read carefully in the application. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our admissions staff with questions or concerns of any kind. It’s our job to help you through this process and make it as painless and stress-free as possible. Also, think about starting your application early. It will feel great to have it taken care of before you get into the stress of your senior year.
6) This might be more of a question for a financial aid counselor, but I'll ask it anyway: Applying to a school the expense of UChicago is reasonable for low income families (because of need based aid) and for very wealthy families, but what advice can you give for students of the middle class? Is UChicago even possible?
UChicago is absolutely a possibility for all kinds of families. One thing to remember is that UChicago is committed to meeting 100% of a family’s demonstrated financial need. We recognize that there are many aspects to a family’s financial situation that are difficult to explain, so we welcome additional supporting documents and information that might be relevant to our financial aid office. Every family is considered individually using a variety of criteria with an end goal of making UChicago a viable financial choice for each admitted student.
7) Which teachers should they be asking recommendations from?
Students should consider teachers from core classes, math, science, history and English. We also recommend, but don’t require, that you choose teachers from later in your academic career, as they are more likely to have recent, relevant information about your academic and intellectual qualities. Feel free to consider additional letters from coaches, elective teachers and other mentors, but remember that we read over 60,000 letters of recommendation a year, so make sure this person has something unique and relevant to say.
8) If you have any other pieces of advice/reassurances, feel free to add them
Remember to keep breathing and ask for help when you need it. You are lucky to be at a school with a wonderful college counselor and a multitude of resources available to you. Take advantage of the advice of teachers and mentors and know that each college to which you apply wants to help you through this process. The most important thing to keep in mind is that each and every one of you will end up at a wonderful college or university and have the time of your life, learning and living with distinguished faculty and wonderful new friends from around the world!
A large part of the advice here is universal, whether you are applying to Georgetown, UChicago, or Stanford. However, remember to talk to the admissions counselors at your particular school about admissions criteria, expectations, and the overall personality of the school. Not all highly selective schools are the same, so do your research, keep in touch, and stay informed.
-Celinda :]
I have some exciting news. I've been keeping this a secret to its finality, but here it is!
I emailed my admissions counselor Sam Duplessis from UChicago. He happens to be the Assistant Director of Admissions, and also a friendly person :]. Though I am not attending UChicago, he graciously agreed to an interview about applying to highly selective schools. I want to say that many selective schools are fantastic, and you would have the time of your life there. Just remember to apply for the right reasons. Pretty much, only apply if it's a fit for YOU. I am so pleased to present the results of this interview. This is a person IN the college process, the one reading the applications, so you are all really lucky!
1) What kinds of courses do you recommend they take their senior year?
Students looking for admission to a highly selective school should maintain a broad and rigorous curriculum throughout high school. For many this entails four years of core subjects, such as math, science, English and history. Students are also encouraged to pursue rigorous courses in the arts, language and additional subject material of personal interest. Students can help themselves get noticed by taking extra classes in their area of interest at school, local colleges, online and by studying other course material in their free time (right, I know, “free time”).
2) How important is "showing interest" (visits, responding to emails, etc.)?
Showing interest in a school can be valuable and comes in many forms. Many colleges and universities appreciate it when a student is knowledgeable about the institution. Asking good questions, staying informed about current developments and spending some time with the website are all easy ways to do this. Showing interest and knowledge can be helpful to the admissions staff in determining a student’s fit with the school, particularly in cases where the college has distinctive academic or structural aspects, such as those that exist at UChicago. We know that many of our applicants may not be able to afford the time or expense of visiting each school and for this reason a campus visit does not affect the admissions decision. In the same vein, we do not require an interview as a part of the application process, though we are happy to provide one if possible.
N.B. When responding to emails, remember that every interaction with the admissions office is an opportunity to make a good impression. Avoid informal language or emails with just one word. You also might want to think about which email address you use to contact the institution (you choose: PrincessPancake@glittermail.com or Jane.Doe@gmail.com) [Blogger Note: I have mentioned this in a previous blog, but I will point it out again. BE PROFESSIONAL].
3) What are the three most important factors to you in the application process(essays, test scores, etc.)?
At UChicago, we practice holistic admission. This means that all parts of the application are considered equally. Rather than list areas where seniors have little or no control, like grades from freshman year, I’ll focus on some areas where students can exert some control. We encourage you to work hard on your essays and always allow time for revision. Essays are a great opportunity to demonstrate fit, intellectual qualities, deeper understanding of larger issues and individual personality. Much valuable information about an applicant can be gleaned from the essays, which is why we offer engaging and challenging essay prompts as an opportunity for our applicants to display the above mentioned skills. We also value leadership and broad involvement in your community, so make sure your résumé reflects this. As mentioned above, evidence of success in a broad and rigorous high school curriculum is also important. Course-work at UChicago (and many other highly selective schools) is demanding and engaging, thus we want to ensure that our incoming students are well-prepared for the challenge.
4) How focused should students be on test scores?
The deal is that most of the students who are admitted to UChicago do quite well on standardized tests (SAT or ACT), but because we read applications holistically, we are able to accommodate lower testers who show their academic and intellectual potential in other ways. That being said, there are many free opportunities to prepare for these exams by taking practice tests and learning about the types of questions and answers expected in each format. Do remember that no matter how you score, this is not a measure of you as a person.
5)What advice would you give to someone who is scared to apply?
Just go for it! The worst thing that can happen is that you won’t end up at UChicago next year. This is particularly good advice for someone who really wants to attend but doesn’t feel secure about it. Demonstrated passion for UChicago is something for which we read carefully in the application. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our admissions staff with questions or concerns of any kind. It’s our job to help you through this process and make it as painless and stress-free as possible. Also, think about starting your application early. It will feel great to have it taken care of before you get into the stress of your senior year.
6) This might be more of a question for a financial aid counselor, but I'll ask it anyway: Applying to a school the expense of UChicago is reasonable for low income families (because of need based aid) and for very wealthy families, but what advice can you give for students of the middle class? Is UChicago even possible?
UChicago is absolutely a possibility for all kinds of families. One thing to remember is that UChicago is committed to meeting 100% of a family’s demonstrated financial need. We recognize that there are many aspects to a family’s financial situation that are difficult to explain, so we welcome additional supporting documents and information that might be relevant to our financial aid office. Every family is considered individually using a variety of criteria with an end goal of making UChicago a viable financial choice for each admitted student.
7) Which teachers should they be asking recommendations from?
Students should consider teachers from core classes, math, science, history and English. We also recommend, but don’t require, that you choose teachers from later in your academic career, as they are more likely to have recent, relevant information about your academic and intellectual qualities. Feel free to consider additional letters from coaches, elective teachers and other mentors, but remember that we read over 60,000 letters of recommendation a year, so make sure this person has something unique and relevant to say.
8) If you have any other pieces of advice/reassurances, feel free to add them
Remember to keep breathing and ask for help when you need it. You are lucky to be at a school with a wonderful college counselor and a multitude of resources available to you. Take advantage of the advice of teachers and mentors and know that each college to which you apply wants to help you through this process. The most important thing to keep in mind is that each and every one of you will end up at a wonderful college or university and have the time of your life, learning and living with distinguished faculty and wonderful new friends from around the world!
A large part of the advice here is universal, whether you are applying to Georgetown, UChicago, or Stanford. However, remember to talk to the admissions counselors at your particular school about admissions criteria, expectations, and the overall personality of the school. Not all highly selective schools are the same, so do your research, keep in touch, and stay informed.
-Celinda :]
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