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Featuring Thomas Nesbitt, director of admissions, State University of New York at Potsdam (Potsdam, NY)

Q: Are group campus visits (like a scheduled Open House) better than making a visit on my own? The group visit would be a lot less personal, but going by myself might not offer as much information as a College-organized event. Which would you recommend?

A: Visiting a college can be the deciding factor in where you will continue your education. As you know, the most common visitation programs are participating in an Open House program, and setting up an individual campus visit. When asked which is the best at helping students to make the right decision, I can honestly say that in order to make an informed choice, both have equal value. In my opinion, doing both is the best idea.

When Choosing a College, you'll need to look at several factors. First, look for a college or university at which you'll feel most comfortable. Check out the campus, including the residence halls. Visit with people from the admissions office, a faculty member from your intended major, and a representative from the financial aid department. Be sure to also speak with a few students, sit in on a class, eat a meal in the Cafeteria, and if applicable, connect with a coach, a learning-assistance coordinator, or anyone else you believe might play a role in your educational experience.

Open House events -- where you and your parents are invited to spend a specific period of time -- are a great way to engage in conversations with a number of people. Although the time with each may be limited to a minute or two (many of these programs host hundreds of students), it will still give you the general information you'll need to best narrow down your college list.

Typically, campuses do a great job at making sure the campus looks good at these events; they even provide families with great meals, and have plenty of staff on hand to answer questions. Take advantage of their hospitality -- if you're interested in a particular program, ask for a specific tour. If you want some students' perspectives, talk it up. They are your best resources as they are living collegiate life right where you are visiting.

Individual campus visits can give you more personal time with faculty, admissions representatives, and financial aid advisors. These appointments may also enable you to sit in on a class in your major area of study, something I see as extremely valuable to the decision-making process. You should also pay attention to the students milling about campus -- be sure to ask them questions and observe the social scene.

I recommend you attend Open Houses during the spring of your junior year or fall of your senior year. Once you've narrowed your choices down to schools you wish to apply to, you should make another appointment to visit those on your final list again through an individual campus visit. This will give you that up-close-and-personal view of the college, its students, and staff.

Remember, college is what you make of it. It doesn't matter where exactly you go but that you'll feel comfortable there, and strive to make the most of the opportunities that higher education can provide. An Open House and an individual campus visit will give you information to make the best choice for your future.

Q: Dear Insider,
I'm a high school senior and I'm having a lot of trouble keeping my grades up this semester. I've been putting a lot of time into my college applications and because of that, I don't have time to study. Finals are coming, and if I do well I can salvage my grades. Any advice on how I can cram a whole term for one test?

Signed,
Tired-of-Apps', Buffalo, NY

A: Dear Tired of Apps',
It's difficult to cram a semester's worth of information into a week of review. But I'll save you the lecture on how you should have been studying all along (we've all been there!). Instead, here's some advice:

1.Study old tests. Often, teachers are too busy to make up new questions and simply take questions from previous exams for their cumulative finals. If nothing else, you'll be reminded of the test format. Is your teach an essay lover interested in your critical thinking ability, or one who expects you to rattle off dates or formulas? Something to think about!

2. Make friends with the smart kid in class. See if you can get a hold of his/her notebook (by borrowing, not stealing) to take a look at the detailed notes and clue yourself in to things you might have missed. And while you're at it, see if you can get a study group together. You're all in the same College Application boat, after all.

3. Go through all your materials and find out what you don't know. Write down anything that seems confusing. Then, look those topics up in your textbook and make index cards to help you study -- they're great because you can study from them on the bus or between classes. Plus, as you're writing the cards, the facts will sink in.

4. Ask your teachers what key concepts you should concentrate your study efforts on. Sometimes certain topics are left out of a final for some reason or another. Don't waste your limited time studying material that won't even be on the test.

In the future, try to balance your responsibilities better (I know, I know -- I'm lecturing!). But seriously, time management is even more important in college because you'll have lots of free time. Sure, that probably sounds great now, but once you factor in a part-time job, being in a frat or club, and the tons of out-of-class reading you'll have to do, you'll need to be sure not to let any one thing keep you tied up.

Best of luck,
Lynda, Your College Insider

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