Whenever possible, a student should visit the schools they have selected, especially the ones where they have the most interest. If formal tours are not being offered, students can take a self-guided tour by walking around a campus to get a feel for what they like (or don’t) and if they could envision themselves there.
If a student is unable to visit a school, most colleges offer virtual tours that provide information that is equivalent to that given during a formal admissions presentation. When it is not feasible for a student to visit a school because of location or other factors, it is advisable to take the virtual tour because they can include footage of the campus and student interviews that can offer valuable insight into a school’s atmosphere and what it has to offer.
It is also advisable to begin an email correspondence with the school’s regional admissions officer responsible for the student’s area or state. This can be as simple as letting them know of a planned visit or asking specific questions about the school, degree programs, clubs, dorms, or campus activities.
Some schools offer virtual appointments with admissions officers. Often, this person will be the regional representative that will handle a student’s application so whenever possible, these visits should be scheduled. Along with providing ‘a face to go with a name,’ these visits are a good opportunity for a student to self-advocate and express their interest in a college directly to the person who will play a role in their admissions decision.
While not all schools consider ‘level of interest’ to be important when making admissions decisions, every time a student contacts a school it is noted in their application file. While no one can guarantee that showing interest in a college will ultimately have an impact on a student’s chances for admission, it is better to have a file that includes examples of interest as opposed to one that doesn’t.
