Virtual visit tools became widely available during the pandemic and still benefit Hawaii students since we are so far from many colleges. If possible, visit colleges in person during their instructional times.
College tours can help students determine whether or not a program is the right fit for them. Walking around campus, learning about resources, and finding out about the surrounding area and general "feel" of the school is something you just cannot get from a web site. College tours are a helpful part of your future planning and should be done virtually if in-person visits are not possible. If you cannot get to all your colleges of interest, try to visit representative types of schools, such as: public, private, specialized, small, large, trade schools, art schools, engineering programs. Choose the types that are appropriate for your interests and in regions that you are willing to live.
Visiting colleges near home is also an excellent and more affordable option if travel is not practical, even for students who plan to venture off island for school. Touring a variety of types of colleges: small, medium, large, public, private, trade or career focused, community colleges, may help students explore the type of school that best fits their interests and needs.
Schedule college tours by using their online request forms. Search for "campus visits, name of college." Tours are led by student workers or admissions counselors. You can request an interview to learn more about the school or for them to learn more about you. Be sure to check out the surrounding area and try to talk to students about their experiences of the school and the surrounding community. Picking up a copy of the student newspaper is a another way to get a sense of campus life. Eating in the dining area and checking out other food options is often a high priority for students.
Here is a resource if you want to think of questions in advance for your college tour:
College Interviews
These are not often required, and more often an optional pieces of a college application. If you plan on an evaluative interview (one in which you are being interviewed for admission consideration) as part of your visit, gather as many of the following items as possible, and visit your counselor for interview tips. Just like a job interview, it is important to prepare by resarching the college and its programs, and also preparing with questions to ask.
Optional items to bring to your interview, or gather in preparation
- An unofficial copy of your transcript (order from our registrar).
- A current resume.
- A solid draft of your personal statement.
- If it is an art school, consider bringing artifacts in a portfolio that show your work in that arena.
- Be sure to prepare by knowing the program you are interviewing with! Have several authentic reasons you chose to learn more about this school.
- Prepare a minimum of 3 questions for your interview that you will ask them.
Students who need Accessibility Support:
If you have a need for accommodations due to a learning difference or health challenge, make a separate appointment with the disability support/ accessibility office at that school. Bring along your most current accommodations documentation, and ask for a preview of the types of supports you may qualify for in college. Also ask them if your current documentation is sufficient to access supports. This meeting will help you determine which schools will give you the help you need. Remember, this meeting is confidential and you do not need to disclose your disability status to the admissions office unless you want to. Here is a short blog post about questions to ask a learning disability office. You could also use your advocacy project from my class as a guide!
http://www.thecollegesolution.com/12-questions-to-ask-about-a-colleges-disability-services/