COLLEGE VISIT SUGGESTIONS

The following tips will help you have a successful visit:

• Plan ahead – Contact the admissions office to ask about special visit days, office hours, and activities.  While students are allowed absences, within reason, for visits consider college visits when St. Joseph is not in session (fall break, teacher workdays)
• Take along a parent – Choosing a college is one of the biggest decisions you will make.  A parent or family member should be welcome to accompany you; however, you should take charge of introductions, questions, and conversation.  After all, consider who will be the student!
• Keep an open mind – A campus visit may confirm what is already known about a school, or it may present new opportunities.  Don’t rule out a school based on preconceived ideas.
• Investigate academic opportunities – Most professors welcome visitors. Schedule a meeting with a faculty member in an area of interest.  Visit the classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and studio spaces.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
• Explore the campus – What do the buildings look like?  Are the grounds nice?  Are there places to study or relax?  Be sure to tour the residence halls.  Learn about the dining areas, fitness centers, laundry facilities, computer and study rooms, and the shops.
• Be focused and flexible – Attend information sessions and tours sponsored by the admissions office, but also seek out spontaneous opportunities to interact with community members.
• Ask about extracurricular activities – Visit the student activities office to find out what clubs and organizations are on campus.  Ask a student what he or she does at night and on the weekends.  If interested in sports, see what varsity, intramural, and club sports the college offers.  Meet with a coach, if possible.
• Talk to financial aid officers and be sure you know the process used to apply for institutional financial aid such as local scholarships, work-study, regular student employment, etc.  Get their name and establish a connection.