Saturday, May 08, 2004
Campus Visits
Hey! The end is in sight.....school is almost over. One week left of finals and I won't ever be a freshman again. Scary, huh? Anyways, I hope that the year is winding down (or up in many cases) nicely for everyone. Just remember to breathe when things seem mountainous.
I just want to take a bit to talk about campus visits for all you college-bound future frosh. The other day I was sitting outside by the lake and I noticed a group of high schoolers taking a campus visit with their parents. Now I know that I took my campus visits not too long ago as well, but I want to give you some advice for when you go on them:
1) Don't act like you already go to the college. (everyone can already see that you're holding a folder (etc.) of informational handouts. and we know that you're in high school, but it's not like we look down on you for it. We all had to do it, too!)
2) Don't leave your parents in the dust, walking ten feet ahead of them at all times. (at times like these, I feel bad for the parents because they just want to be a part of your experience.)
3)Talk to the other people that are on the campus tour. (i know that it's nerve-racking to be in a group of your potential future classmates, but you should try to establish a connection with them. You'll end up making yourself and your new acquaintance a lot more comfortable.)
Wanna know why I'm giving you this advice, because I know from experience. I've committed these three cardinal sins of campus visits before many times. I wish I hadn't and I don't want you to. Eh...who am I kidding? It's not really that big of a deal. But here is some real advice:
4) Have a great time and go on as many campus visits as possible. (take in everything you can about a campus [location, sights, sounds] and compare compare compare)
My campus visit ultimately became the deciding factor for me to go to Madison. I got a feel for the campus and felt like I could really make this place a home away from home. So this summer, take advantage of any free time and ask your fam to take you to a couple schools. Good luck and have fun!
I just want to take a bit to talk about campus visits for all you college-bound future frosh. The other day I was sitting outside by the lake and I noticed a group of high schoolers taking a campus visit with their parents. Now I know that I took my campus visits not too long ago as well, but I want to give you some advice for when you go on them:
1) Don't act like you already go to the college. (everyone can already see that you're holding a folder (etc.) of informational handouts. and we know that you're in high school, but it's not like we look down on you for it. We all had to do it, too!)
2) Don't leave your parents in the dust, walking ten feet ahead of them at all times. (at times like these, I feel bad for the parents because they just want to be a part of your experience.)
3)Talk to the other people that are on the campus tour. (i know that it's nerve-racking to be in a group of your potential future classmates, but you should try to establish a connection with them. You'll end up making yourself and your new acquaintance a lot more comfortable.)
Wanna know why I'm giving you this advice, because I know from experience. I've committed these three cardinal sins of campus visits before many times. I wish I hadn't and I don't want you to. Eh...who am I kidding? It's not really that big of a deal. But here is some real advice:
4) Have a great time and go on as many campus visits as possible. (take in everything you can about a campus [location, sights, sounds] and compare compare compare)
My campus visit ultimately became the deciding factor for me to go to Madison. I got a feel for the campus and felt like I could really make this place a home away from home. So this summer, take advantage of any free time and ask your fam to take you to a couple schools. Good luck and have fun!
