College Counseling
College Visits and Interviews
College Admission Offices welcome contact from prospective
students. In fact, many institutions keep track of the number of
contacts a student has made with their institution. Admissions
and Financial Aid Officers are available to answer questions, so use
them as a resource.
Contacting Colleges
Contact colleges by telephone, e-mail or letter. Introduce
yourself. Pose a question. Request information.
Particularly when you are not able to visit, getting in touch with the
Admissions Office is essential. You want to get "on their
radar." Take note of the person with whom you speak, and keep
his/her address and contact information.
Arranging Visits
Visiting a college campus will allow you to physically feel whether the
institution is a good fit for you, for often they begin to look all too
similar on paper. Very few Westover students visit all schools to
which they will apply. Missing school and travel expenses can
deter students from visiting campuses. When it is possible, visit
when the institution is in session. Call ahead and inquire about
tour times and the possibility of scheduling an interview (if the
school gives interviews). If you are applying for financial aid,
then you may want to schedule a time to meet with a Financial Aid
Officer. If you have a special talent or interest, then you might
want to schedule a meeting with a coach, the music department, or a
professor in a specific field.
Preparing for a Visit
First, and foremost, do your homework! Research about the
institution that you will visit. Learn about specific programs
that interest you. Prepare several questions that are not
answered easily by reading the institution's literature.
Second, contact individuals that are directly involved with your area of interest.
Third, review "Helpful Hints For Making Good Use of a Campus Visit" in your College Handbook.
Fourth, set up a conference with your college counselor to run a mock interview.
Second, contact individuals that are directly involved with your area of interest.
Third, review "Helpful Hints For Making Good Use of a Campus Visit" in your College Handbook.
Fourth, set up a conference with your college counselor to run a mock interview.
While On Campus
First, relax and enjoy your visit. Dress sharp. Show your interest.
Second, don't cheat yourself-do it all. Take a tour. Sit in on a class. Visit the student commons, and listen to what the students are saying. Pick up a newspaper. Determine what the major issues on campus are.
Third, take notes, and ask yourself: "Is this the environment in which I would like to spend my next four years?
Second, don't cheat yourself-do it all. Take a tour. Sit in on a class. Visit the student commons, and listen to what the students are saying. Pick up a newspaper. Determine what the major issues on campus are.
Third, take notes, and ask yourself: "Is this the environment in which I would like to spend my next four years?
Interviewing
The emphasis on college interviews has decreased during the past few
years, so you will need to inquire about each institution's
interviewing policy. The most common policies are:
• No interviews--only group information sessions are offered.
• Alumnae interviews are the only interviews given.
• Interviews are optional and informational only.
• Interviews are encouraged and do become a part of the student's application folder.
If the college does offer an on-campus interview, and you are able to visit, then please take advantage of the opportunity. It may be very helpful to you. Don't be surprised if the interviewer spends some of the time selling you on his or her institution. Interviews are, in part, a marketing device.
Review the College Interview section of your College Handbook to consider both questions that you might be asked in an interview and questions that you might ask in an interview.
• No interviews--only group information sessions are offered.
• Alumnae interviews are the only interviews given.
• Interviews are optional and informational only.
• Interviews are encouraged and do become a part of the student's application folder.
If the college does offer an on-campus interview, and you are able to visit, then please take advantage of the opportunity. It may be very helpful to you. Don't be surprised if the interviewer spends some of the time selling you on his or her institution. Interviews are, in part, a marketing device.
Review the College Interview section of your College Handbook to consider both questions that you might be asked in an interview and questions that you might ask in an interview.
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