Counselor Corner
From the Indian Hill High School Counseling Office
Planning a College Visit
Due to the recent closings of colleges and universities, you may not be able to visit many college campuses. Many are cancelling any scheduled visits all together. But there are options to getting on campus visits. many colleges have virtual tours on their web pages. There are some websites dedicated to showing virtual campus tours. Although this is not the best way to experience a college, it can be a good start for you. At this time, please contact the college to make sure they will allow you on their campus and if they will allow tours, before making travel plans.
If you cannot get on campus this spring break, it is still a good idea to visit before committing to a college. Whenever you are able to visit, I have listed some tips on making the most of your college visit. There are many components to consider when planning your visit. What should you see on campus? Who should you speak to? What types of questions should you ask? As you begin to plan your visits, here are some tips that can assist in your planning.
Plan before you leave…and as early as possible
Make sure that the college is not on break. It is best to visit the college when the atmosphere is filled with students, faculty and the buzz of college life. Planning would allow you to make sure that you are able to meet with an admissions representative, a financial aid advisor, a faculty member and schedule a tour. All great things to experience when you take a visit. If you have a scheduled appointment, be sure to have a confirmation. Also, some colleges will offer a self-guided tour without the assistance of a guide, offering you the freedom to visit the buildings that attract you. While on tour take notice of the students and faculty. Are they friendly? Do they speak? Make eye contact? Smile?
Take some time away from the professionals
Admissions offices have some of the best and involved students on campus to lead campus tours and speak with prospective students and their parents. You will be sure to get all the information that they want you to know, but it is a good idea to get a feel of the campus community from students that do not take the training and will speak directly about their experience. They are more likely to be very honest, and share their experiences. A good place to catch students would be in the Student Center or in the campus dining areas. These are two locations where a lot of student activities take place. You may spend a good majority of your free time in these locations, so spend some time there and see if you can imagine yourself there.
Visit a Classroom
While on campus, some admissions offices will assist you in scheduling time to visit a classroom in your field of interest. Visiting classrooms can give you an idea of the types of participation and conversations that can go on at that college. Is the instruction more of a lecture, or are students participating. Is the classroom huge with a teacher assistant, or are the classes small and intimate. Which style works best for you? Also, if you get the chance, meet with a faculty member. They will be best able to provide you answers to all the questions regarding your major.
Visit the library
At some point of your college career, you will be using the library. Is there a computer lab available and what are the hours? Are there meeting rooms available to students? Is there a place to grab something to eat? Are you able to order books from other libraries if you need a resource that is not available? What type of computer assistance is available to students? What type of software is recommended? Is printing free to students?
Get the Inside Scoop
Most colleges have a printed newspaper available in most buildings. Grab one! The student newspaper is full of articles written by students that is filled with news and events that are happening on campus. You never know what you can find out by reading the college newspaper. I have found them to be very informative. Also, be sure to check out the bulletin boards that are posted around campus. These boards are filled with upcoming activities, announcements and information regarding the campus. Any speakers coming to campus? Community service opportunities? Scholarship offers? These bulletin boards are an integral part of the college campus and shouts the upcoming events to everyone that would read it.
Eat in the Dining Hall
If you plan to live on campus, you will be eating in the dining hall. Ask about the meal plans that are available. Is there a flex plan that will allow you to use your money outside of the cafeteria? What type of food options are available? What are the hours? How far away from your dorm is the cafeteria? What are the hours?
Prepare your questions
Write down the questions before you visit. Throughout your visit, some of your questions may get answered, but if not, be sure to have your list of questions answered. Some questions you may ask:
- How are academic advisers assigned to students and how often do you meet with them?
- Does the college have an orientation/transition program for freshmen?
- What opportunities are available for students outside of studying abroad?
- Where is your career center and how often are career fairs held?
- What type of businesses recruit your students?
- What is the retention rate for freshman to sophomore year?
These are just a few questions to consider while you are visiting the college campus. Feel free to add as many as you need. Hopefully you will be spending at least 4 years of your life at that university, so don’t leave until you have a clear perspective of what you can expect.
Can’t get on campus? The vast majority of colleges have virtual tours available on their websites. To find these tours, go to the colleges Admissions page and look for the “Visit” link. If you cannot find their virtual tour link, try searching for it at, www.campustours.com. After viewing the virtual tour, feel free to contact the admissions office to speak with an admission representative to have your questions answered.
Document your visit
Lastly, document your experience. Pictures, notes and videos are all great tools to use to track the highlights and/or low points of your visit. It is best to take a few minutes after each visit and write down your thoughts so that you do not get one visit confused with another visit. You may think you will remember it all, but after seeing a few schools, sometimes your memory can get fuzzy, so it is best to have it written down so that there is no confusion.
Good luck, be safe and enjoy your college visits!
You may also find this article full of helpful information. This article by IvyWise, gives helpful alternatives to campus visits. https://bit.ly/38P0G2L
My Visit to Baltimore
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Morgan State University
A message from the Counseling Department
Your Counseling Staff
View the alphabet assignment and contact information for your counselor below.
Lateef Johnson (A - E)
(513) 272-4565
Nollis Cottrell (F - La)
(513) 272-4563
Lindsay Kearns (Lb - R)
Lindsay.Kearns@ihsd.us
(513) 272-4568
Donita Jackson (S - Z)
(513) 272-4506
Ester Hall (College/Career/Testing)
(513) 272-4544
www.calendly.com/ester-hall - to schedule a meeting
Amy Van Strien (School Psychologist)
(513) 272-4564
Karen Post (Registrar)
(513) 272-4566