Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:My kid cannot decide so we're visiting schools in his top 5. What should he be looking for, questions to ask, things to note?
Doesnât he already know what he wants in a college? How did he put his initial list together? He should review his criteria, prioritize it and evaluate how each school matches up. My kid was down to two and did a pro con list.
Anonymous wrote:My tip is to have your kid arrange to meet up with a current student while on campus. Find a recent grad from your high school and have your kid meet up for a coffee or whenever they are free to get an inside perspective on topics like academics, social, housing, etc. Also, many admitted kids connect over social media before admitted student days and sometimes arrange to meet up as well- good way to meet some other incoming students. We arranged to stay overnight at a hotel so my kid could take their time to explore the school and get a sense of the local area.
Anonymous wrote:My kid cannot decide so we're visiting schools in his top 5. What should he be looking for, questions to ask, things to note?
Anonymous wrote:Ask how many classes are online, ask how hard it is to get the classes you need for your major, ask about housing after freshman year.
Anonymous wrote:Try not to get caught up in your own excitement/preferences. Ask your kid how they feel from time to time and gauge their reaction. I loved one of the schools we visited for admitted student day but my kid was lukewarm.
Colleges are putting their best foot forward for admitted student days, but they are valuable for getting a feel for the campus vibe. See how crowded or not-crowded the library is. See how well-attended campus events are that weekend. See how the kids sit together or donât sit together in the dining halls. And just strike up conversations with the kids who are already there- ask them about their major, their activities, etc. most will be happy to talk about experience.