Jackie Ouellette
Reporter
For most juniors and seniors who plan on attending college, now is the time to start narrowing down choices. Throughout the country, colleges and universities offer visits to their schools to give a first-hand look at what each of their college experiences are like. Student-led tours of the campus, information sessions and an interview with the admissions office are all available to visitors.
Susan Carroll, Director at the College and Career Center advocates college visits. “I think it’s important to visit the college because it’s important to be an active consumer,” she said. “Colleges cost a lot of money, so you want to know what you’re buying.”
Visits help students determine whether or not they should apply to the college. The tours and information sessions take place throughout the year; the times are on each respective college website’s schedule. If visiting a college on the weekend, it is encouraged to check out what’s happening on campus to get a feel for the college life. Whether attending a sporting event or participating in a school club meeting, it’s a great way to get a feel for that college’s social life.
Depending on the location of the college, it might be difficult for a student to visit. However, several students have made a trip out of it. Senior Jasmine Allen has traveled up and down the east coast visiting colleges, including Franklin and Marshall, Washington and Lee, William and Mary and Tufts. The farthest college she has traveled to was Chicago, Illinois. “I do not want to go anywhere too close to home,” she said. “I want to get out of Connecticut and go somewhere new.”
The admissions officers conduct interviews which are strongly suggested for students who wish to apply to the college. “I wouldn’t interview right out of the box with a college of your top choice. I would first interview with a school lower on your list to get some experience,” Ms. Carroll said.
