College Visits and Interviews

Resources

Tips for the Campus Visit

Questions to Ask

The College Interview

Interview Tips

Reading through college brochures and surfing campus websites can tell you so much about campuses! but nothing can compare to seeing then, first hand. Remember that the marketing materials don’t tell the whole story. Visiting allows you to experience the campus’ personality. While it maybe difficult to visit every campus during the selection stage, it is exceptionally important that you visit once you are accepted and before making your final decision and mailing your deposit on May 1. Remember that you are not only choosing a school, but the place where you will live for several years. If possible, visit the school while the college is in session. If your first visit was over the summer, try to return before making that deposit.

Virtual Campus Tours and Viewbooks

Schedule your visit - Visit at a time when there will be someone available to meet with you to give you a tour of campus. Leave enough time to walk around on your own after the tour.

Make the most of your visit - Before arriving on campus, contact a professor in your intended field of study or an advisor of a club that interests you, to arrange an informational meeting.

Try the food and see a dorm - Remember, the campus will be your second home. You want to make sure it’s a good fit. Have lunch in the cafeteria. Tour the first-year student residence halls.

Collect materials - Pick up all admissions materials and financial aid brochures. Student newspapers, flyers and activity calendars will also give you a sense of what campus life is really like.

Reflect and write - Jot down a few notes to capture your impression of the campus immediately after the tour. Record the names of the college staff you interacted with and send them thank-you notes.

Are first-year students guaranteed housing? Every year?
What percentage of students receive grants and scholarships?
How many core courses are required for graduation?
What percentage of the faculty hold a Ph.D.?
Are first-year students required to bring a computer? Axe there adequate labs?
What percentage of students go to graduate school? Which schools?
What is the average class size during the first year? What is the largest class?
Do first-year students live in doubles! triples! or quads?
What did students do for fun on weekends? Do people stay on campus?
Can first-year students have a car on campus? Do you need one?
What facilities are available for studying besides the library?
What types of activities are available on campus?
How accessible are professors out of class? Are tutors available for extra help?
Are there part-time jobs available on campus or in the area?
Can I have a major and a minor or a dual major?
Do you have exchange programs or study abroad opportunities?
What is the average class size?
What is the faculty-student relationship? Are professors available for advising or is there a central advising staff?
What kind of career counseling services are available?
How well does your school do in placing graduates in jobs as well as in graduate and/or professional programs?
Are internships, cooperative work arrangements, and independent study opportunities readily available to your students?
Does your institution offer ROTC programs?
What cultural opportunities are available on campus?
What does your athletic program consist of?

Back to Top

Why should I interview?
While not every college will offer you the opportunity to interview, many colleges recommend that you schedule an interview with the admissions office. This is an excellent opportunity for the college to learn more about you and for you to learn more about the campus. Colleges receive your grades and standardized test scores, but they do not really know YOU. This is a chance to personalize the admission process and a way to get all of your questions answered. While a great interview cannot make up for a poor academic record, it will surely enhance your chance for acceptance if you take it seriously and present yourself well.

Interview DOs
• Research the college
• Dress neatly and comfortably
• Get directions and arrive early
• Be outgoing and confident
• Be familiar with your transcript
• Review admission materials
• Keep detailed notes of your visit
• Follow up with a thank-you note

Interview DON’Ts
• Be late
• Memorize speeches
• Ask questions directly from brochures
• Chew gum or wear a lot of perfume
• Swear or use too much slang
• Respond with only “yes/no” answers
• Call the school your “safety”
• Refuse an interview -- it will be noted!

Different types of interviews
Evaluative interviews have an impact on the acceptance decision and admission criteria. Informational interviews are designed to answer questions and offer an overview of the college. Whichever the campus offers, be attentive, ask questions, and show enthusiasm. Don't forget that first impressions are important: Contact with any college representative should be taken seriously.

Evaluative Interviews

Admissions Officer - Most common. you can call or go online to schedule an appointment with an admissions counselor.
Alumni - Set up by the college and usually held off-campus with a college alumnus. An evaluation is completed and added to your file.
Auditions - Arts, music or dance performances arranged on specified dates.
Special-Interest - Meetings with athletic coaches, department heads or club supervisors.

Informational Interviews

Informational Sessions - Formally organized group sessions conducted by an admissions representative for families.
High School Visits - College reps visit high schools to distribute materials and to answer questions. Good more informationopportunity to develop a contact with schools of interest. EHS has several reps visit each year - check with the guidance secretary about schools you may be interested in.
Student Interviews - Offer the prospective student the opportunity to have an informal, but informative conversation with a current student.

College Research

Application Process

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Admission Tests (PSAT/SAT/ACT)

College Timeline

College Visits & Inteviews

Athletes

The Arts

Web Links

Terminology

College Visits and Interviews

Reading through college brochures and surfing campus websites can tell you so much about campuses! but nothing can compare to seeing then, first hand. Remember that the marketing materials don’t tell the whole story. Visiting allows you to experience the campus’ personality. While it maybe difficult to visit every campus during the selection stage, it is exceptionally important that you visit once you are accepted and before making your final decision and mailing your deposit on May 1. Remember that you are not only choosing a school, but the place where you will live for several years. If possible, visit the school while the college is in session. If your first visit was over the summer, try to return before making that deposit.
Resources

Virtual Campus Tours and Viewbooks

Tips for the Campus Visit
Schedule your visit - Visit at a time when there will be someone available to meet with you to give you a tour of campus. Leave enough time to walk around on your own after the tour.

Make the most of your visit - Before arriving on campus, contact a professor in your intended field of study or an advisor of a club that interests you, to arrange an informational meeting.

Try the food and see a dorm - Remember, the campus will be your second home. You want to make sure it’s a good fit. Have lunch in the cafeteria. Tour the first-year student residence halls.

Collect materials - Pick up all admissions materials and financial aid brochures. Student newspapers, flyers and activity calendars will also give you a sense of what campus life is really like.

Reflect and write - Jot down a few notes to capture your impression of the campus immediately after the tour. Record the names of the college staff you interacted with and send them thank-you notes.

Questions to Ask

Are first-year students guaranteed housing? Every year?

What percentage of students receive grants and scholarships?

How many core courses are required for graduation?

What percentage of the faculty hold a Ph.D.?

Are first-year students required to bring a computer? Axe there adequate labs?

What percentage of students go to graduate school? Which schools?

What is the average class size during the first year? What is the largest class?

Do first-year students live in doubles! triples! or quads?

What did students do for fun on weekends? Do people stay on campus?

Can first-year students have a car on campus? Do you need one?

What facilities are available for studying besides the library?

What types of activities are available on campus?

How accessible are professors out of class? Are tutors available for extra help?

Are there part-time jobs available on campus or in the area?

Can I have a major and a minor or a dual major?

Do you have exchange programs or study abroad opportunities?

What is the average class size?

What is the faculty-student relationship? Are professors available for advising or is there a central advising staff?

What kind of career counseling services are available?

How well does your school do in placing graduates in jobs as well as in graduate and/or professional programs?

Are internships, cooperative work arrangements, and independent study opportunities readily available to your students?

Does your institution offer ROTC programs?

What cultural opportunities are available on campus?

What does your athletic program consist of?

Back to Top

The College Interview

Why should I interview?
While not every college will offer you the opportunity to interview, many colleges recommend that you schedule an interview with the admissions office. This is an excellent opportunity for the college to learn more about you and for you to learn more about the campus. Colleges receive your grades and standardized test scores, but they do not really know YOU. This is a chance to personalize the admission process and a way to get all of your questions answered. While a great interview cannot make up for a poor academic record, it will surely enhance your chance for acceptance if you take it seriously and present yourself well.

Interview DOs
• Research the college
• Dress neatly and comfortably
• Get directions and arrive early
• Be outgoing and confident
• Be familiar with your transcript
• Review admission materials
• Keep detailed notes of your visit
• Follow up with a thank-you note

Interview DON’Ts
• Be late
• Memorize speeches
• Ask questions directly from brochures
• Chew gum or wear a lot of perfume
• Swear or use too much slang
• Respond with only “yes/no” answers
• Call the school your “safety”
• Refuse an interview -- it will be noted!

Different types of interviews
Evaluative interviews have an impact on the acceptance decision and admission criteria. Informational interviews are designed to answer questions and offer an overview of the college. Whichever the campus offers, be attentive, ask questions, and show enthusiasm. Don't forget that first impressions are important: Contact with any college representative should be taken seriously.

Evaluative Interviews

Admissions Officer - Most common. you can call or go online to schedule an appointment with an admissions counselor.

Alumni - Set up by the college and usually held off-campus with a college alumnus. An evaluation is completed and added to your file.

Auditions - Arts, music or dance performances arranged on specified dates.

Special-Interest - Meetings with athletic coaches, department heads or club supervisors.

Informational Interviews

Informational Sessions - Formally organized group sessions conducted by an admissions representative for families.

High School Visits - College reps visit high schools to distribute materials and to answer questions. Good more informationopportunity to develop a contact with schools of interest. EHS has several reps visit each year - check with the guidance secretary about schools you may be interested in.

Student Interviews - Offer the prospective student the opportunity to have an informal, but informative conversation with a current student.

Interview Tips

How do I Act? Relax, have fun and show confidence. Most high school students do not have much experience in an interview so you are not alone. The interview is not a test or interrogation. It's simply a conversation. Admission counselors are trying to get to know you better so be yourself!

Do your homework! Research the school and prepare by answering practice questions.

What do I bring with me? A list of questions, paper and pen (don't hesitate to write down information), a resume, copy of your transcript, and SAT/ACT scores.
Back to Top

How do I Act? Relax, have fun and show confidence. Most high school students do not have much experience in an interview so you are not alone. The interview is not a test or interrogation. It's simply a conversation. Admission counselors are trying to get to know you better so be yourself!

Do your homework! Research the school and prepare by answering practice questions.

What do I bring with me? A list of questions, paper and pen (don't hesitate to write down information), a resume, copy of your transcript, and SAT/ACT scores.