Making the Most of your College Visit How to make your visits worthwhile Nathan Turner Associate Director of Admissions & Campus Events Robert Morris University

Prior to Visiting Do your Research… Academic Offerings Athletic Opportunities (NCAA, club, or intramural) Student Life (Clubs/Organizations) Research the School’s website Virtual Tour Develop Important Questions Cost Accreditations Internships Job Placement

When to Visit Begin early – Junior year Be sure to get an excuse for school Plan college visits around vacations Tag along with older siblings Avoid bad weather If visiting in the Summer, plan a follow-up visit during the school year

Where to Visit Be Diverse Visit Big, Small, and Medium Sized Schools Public vs. Private Urban, Suburban, and Rural Locations Expose yourself to various types of schools to help determine the best fit for you.

Scheduling a Visit Call ahead to set up your visit If available, set up a meeting with a professor or sit in on a class Ask for an itinerary, parking information, and directions (if needed)

College Tour Identify the tour guide… Current Student, Coach, Staff Member ASK QUESTIONS!! Eat/Sleep/Play What is around the campus? Off campus fun Internships/Employment Opportunities How do students get around?

College Tour Take notice of the atmosphere Do you feel comfortable? Safe? Are students, faculty, and staff friendly? Weekend Visits What are the happenings around campus?

Following the Tour Three Options: One on One with an Admissions Counselor Group Presentation Tour only – No information session provided * Indicative of School

Optional Items Ask if you are able to eat on campus. You will be eating here potentially for the next four years Ask for contact information Coaches Professors Club Advisors

Interviews Not all Schools Require/Recommend Interviews On-campus or Regional Representative Come prepared Prepare answers to common interview questions Be on Time, Dress Professionally, Ask Questions What do you bring to the their Institution? Focus on Qualities not Achievements

Post Visit TAKE NOTES!! Visiting more than one school, they will begin to blend together Also, take pictures or videos while on tour to help compare multiple schools at later dates. “Trust your Gut” Ask Further Questions Revisit top choices at a later date

Selecting a College is like Dating You will see some great and not so great schools. Remember the features you love and those you hate. When you find the “right one” it will have a large majority of the features you want. Listen to the advice of friends and family

Questions Nathan Turner Associate Director of Admissions & Campus Events Robert Morris University