Talk to an advisor (9 AM-9 PM EST): 866-442-6062

Talk to an advisor (9 AM-9 PM EST): 866-925-2803

Featuring Pat Armstrong, director of admissions, St. John's University (NY)

Q. How should I prepare for a college visit? What should I expect once I'm there?

A. The key to a successful college visit is to plan well in advance so you are relaxed and ready during your campus visit.

Your preparation should include preliminary research regarding the institution(s) you would like to visit. You'll want to tour colleges and universities in which you're interested based on academics, location, size, and cost. Key questions should include whether the school offers the program you want to study. What is the profile of the admitted students -- are you in the "range"? Is your family's financial situation, coupled with the financial aid opportunities the school offers, enough to meet tuition costs? How many students are enrolled? Is the location an acceptable distance from home?

If you are looking at distant locations, you will probably want to plan a one- or two-day trip for multiple visits. Contact the Office of Admission at each college to arrange for your visit. You'll find these offices will not only help you arrange a campus tour, but will be happy to provide travel directions and recommend local accommodations.

Your campus visit should include a guided tour of the campus and a group information session or interview with an admissions counselor. Frequently, an overnight stay on campus can be arranged by residence colleges -- it's a wonderful way to get a feel for the campus environment and the scoop from current students.

Most campus tours are led by student volunteers. You may want to find out from them why they chose the school. What did they expect of college, and have their expectations been met? What is a typical day like for them on campus? What kinds of student activities are they involved in - and is it easy to get involved? Don't limit yourself to a guided tour; you should also explore the campus on your own.

Here's a helpful checklist:

• Scope out the library and its facilities for quiet study and comfortable working areas.


• Explore the athletic/fitness facilities. Are they up-to-date and do they provide sufficient room for all?


• Go to the student center. Are the students friendly? Do you see lots of posters promoting current activities?


• Can you see yourself as a student at this school?


• Get a copy of the student newspaper. What issues are being discussed by current students and faculty?


• Don't forget to check out the food. It may not be like home, but there should be a wide variety of offerings being served.

Q. Who should I ask for teacher recommendations and what should the letters convey?

A. You should ask a teacher who knows you well for a recommendation. That means, he or she should be in a position to address both your academic standing and your extra curricular activities. Remember, the admissions committee is looking for solid evidence that you are the right fit for their institution.

Your recommendation can be an important factor in the decision-making process -- especially if you have special accomplishments that aren't reflected on your high school transcript. Have you worked on a unique project or made a significant contribution to your high school or community? Are you a student leader? Your letter of recommendation should be an affirmation of your ability to flourish in the college environment.

Q. How much weight do my SAT scores really carry in the admission decisions?

A. This question is one of the most commonly asked by students worried about being admitted to college. While SAT scores are among the key factors that influence the admission decision, schools look at other factors, too, including your high school record (level of courses taken and grade-point average); counselor/teacher recommendations; essay/writing samples; class rank; work/extra curricular activities (including community service); and special talents, skills, or research projects.

There is no one piece of criteria used by all colleges. In fact, there is no general agreement on the ranking of the key influences cited above. Ultimately, what colleges look for are well-rounded students who will flourish both academically and socially in their environment.

Sound Off! Post Your Comments