When going on a college visit, talking to current students can give you as much information as the Office of Admissions. Searching through the campus on your own time can allow you explore different aspects of the campus and talk to current students. Don’t be shy!!! College students LOVE to talk about themselves and their school. So, ask away. They will probably be thrilled to reminisce about how they made their college decision.
THE BEST PLACES TO TALK TO STUDENTS AT WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY:
GREAT QUESTIONS TO ASK CURRENT STUDENTS:
- What is your favorite part about college? What would you change?
- What is the best class you took while here? Listen to how passionately they talk about their academic experience.
- What surprised you about the school when you got here? When you got to college what parts of student life, academia, or social life became more important than you originally thought they would be?
- What’s an average day like for you?
Enjoy your visit and just remember everyone was in your shoes once, too!
Emily Einhorn ‘08 and Jeff Wong ‘08
Senior Interviewers
The summer is one of the most popular times for high school students to look at colleges. I remember when I was on the college tour circuit a few years ago, going on week-long trips to see 9 different schools. It can be difficult to see so many schools in such a short period of time and truly form an opinion on each school. So here are a few tips I have to get the most out of each college visit.
- Bring a notebook with you. When you get back in the car after each school, it’s a good idea to take a few notes on your opinions of the school, while it’s still fresh in your memory. That way, in a few months, you can look back at all these notes and see what you thought about each school.
- Ask about housing. A lot of schools will have a model dorm room set up to give an example of how a freshman would live, but that doesn’t mean that all students live in rooms like that. Housing is often quite varied based on your class year or even what area of campus you live on, so ask about all the housing options.
- Observe the students on campus. This might be harder to do in the summer, but try to get a feel for the student atmosphere on campus. Do the students seem happy and engaging? Or do they all look like they haven’t left the library for two weeks?
- Picture yourself at the school. Could you see yourself going to the school for the next four years? Do you think you’d be happy there? Keep in mind that you’re not going to college right at the moment, but want a place where you’ll still be happy in four years.
- Think about what feels right for you. You’re going to hear a lot of opinions and suggestions from your parents, friends, teachers, guidance counselors, etc. but ultimately, where you go to college should be your decision. It’s your education and you need to try and find the place where you will be most happy, have the best experience, and learn the most.
Jeff Wong ‘08
Senior Interviewer
