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Health & Fitness

How to Make the Most of a College Visit

Are all those college pictures starting to look alike?  There is nothing that can replace a formal visit to a college or university.  Here are some tips to get the most out of your visit:

·      Schedule the visit through the admissions office, even if you know someone on campus.  (This is usually done on-line.)  Current students can lend perspective and information, but cannot represent the breadth of the institution.  In addition, it’s very important that schools have your information and know you were on campus.

·      One of the best times for juniors for initial visiting is spring.  High school and college spring breaks do not often coincide, so it’s a great time to see the campus “in action”.

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·      Check the campus’ “High School Visit” events; they often occur on secondary school days off, when colleges are still in session.

·      Call the admissions office if you would like more information or wish to speak with someone from a particular major.

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·      Parents and students should take the formal tour together; however, parents:  please refrain from asking more than one or two questions.  Students should be asking the questions.

·      Keep an open mind.  Visit diverse types to colleges to keep options open while deciding what works best for you both academically and personally.

·      Visit the student union, cafeteria or coffee shop.  Speak to students there; they love to talk about their schools and will give you “the real deal”.

There are many pertinent questions to ask admissions officers and students.  You also don’t have to travel far from the Chicago area to get a good sense of different types of schools, whether you apply to them or not.

For more information on visiting, to see the colleges Ravinia College Consultants have visited and for help with planning trips close by or across the country, contact us at raviniacollegeconsulting.com or raviniacc@gmail.com

                                                                                               

                                               

                                                            

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