Maximizing the college visit: JBTP tips

This is a larger topic worthy of multiple blog posts, but here are some tips to enhance the value of college visits:

1.  Visit when the college is in session- you want to see live classes.

2.  Miss as little high school class and activity time as possible- don’t fall behind in a high school class so you visit a few colleges.  Visit when high school is not in session or apply and then visit in the spring of senior year.

3.  Six nearby colleges in four days is probably the maximum possible without putting you in a foul mood.

4.  Before leaving, extract all you can from the college’s web site- take a virtual tour, know all the exact costs before leaving, reserve a spot on a campus tour and try to schedule a meeting with at least an admissions rep.

            - practice your interview ahead of time with a parent or other trusted adult

5.  Check out student-provided data on these colleges from other sites, such as campustours.com or studentsreview.com.

6.  Meet with a representative in your future college extra-curricular: a coach, a musical theater professor, the school newspaper editor.  Show lots of enthusiasm.

7.  Be sure the student, not a parent, signs the admissions office registry.

8.  Mom or Dad should visit with the financial aid office to learn more specifics regarding need-based and merit-based scholarships, financial aid, and deadlines.  Ask how you can specifically enhance your chances to receive more aid.

            - selective colleges that offer no merit-based aid may be too pricey for families that qualify for little to no need-based aid.

9.  Don’t give much weight to the weather or the tour guide: neither will have much impact on your future joy and growth in college (though nice weather all the time can create less motivated students).

For more info on the maximizing the college visit and all other keys to Getting into the Best College at the Lowest Cost, you might order the JBTP Platinum Guide: click here.