SEPTEMBER 2018 • LONGISLANDPRESS.COM 65
COLLEGE GUIDE
HOW CAMPUS VISITS:
TO PREPARE
Farmingdale State College is among more
than a dozen institutes of higher education
options on Long Island.
BY GRETA FOX
Choosing the right college is a big
decision. Many students think it is
a good idea to wait and visit schools
until after acceptance letters roll in,
but by then, students attending the
more academically selective schools
have already chosen roommates, and
you’ve missed the boat.
Naturally, the most challenging colleges
have high expectations. In the
application process, students must
write about what kind of academic
environment they want, and why
they want this college over any other
college. How can you possibly know
this as a junior in high school without
visiting different schools?
The moment students are mature
enough even to begin contemplating
“when thinking about college, where
do I start?” is the moment they are
ready to start visiting. I take my 9- and
12-year-olds to see colleges regularly.
We use them as tools for discussion
about diversity, perspective and why
studying matters.
Prepare a list of questions in advance
of your campus visit and take
your family members as extra “eyes
and ears.” People you trust, whom
you can discuss your thoughts and
impressions with after the tour, are
always helpful. While on campus,
talk to everyone you meet: admissions
officers, tour guides, professors,
school faculty.
Do not skip guided tours or information
sessions. Sit in on classes.
Read the school newspapers. Eat in
the school cafeteria.
Ask lots and lots of questions!
Will a school support your learning
needs? How big are the classes? What
is the student-to-professor ratio?
What kind of academic support is
available on campus? What are the
Career Center Services? Take the
time to do your homework.
Visit colleges during family vacations.
See Vanderbilt University if you
happen to be in Nashville, Tenn., or
the next time you’re in New York City,
plan a tour at NYU for the fun of it. It
helps to be able to know the difference
between a small to midsize to a large
university in a suburban and urban
environment before crunch time.
While walking around campus,
ask yourself: “Can I see myself here?”
Ninety-nine percent of my students
know within five minutes if the answer
is yes.
WHAT TO ASK ABOUT ON A CAMPUS VISIT
• Academic Programs/Atmosphere:
What are the academic programs
offered and the atmosphere of the
campus? Is it friendly reserved or too
social? Is this a match for you?
• Quality of Majors: Are your interests
going to be met in your choice of major?
Art, Business, Engineering, Dental, IT…
• Campus location and setting: Do
you like the location and setting of the
campus and surrounding areas? Are
you comfortable in an urban or more
rural setting? Is it easy to get around the
city? Are there restaurants and other
activities to do in the community? Do
you need a car?
• Campus size: Is the campus a good
match for you? Is it easy to get around
and to class?
• Facilities: Rate the size, upkeep and
cleanliness of the facilities. Too big? Too
small? Modern? Luxurious?
• Professors: What is the reputation
of the faculty? Who mostly teaches,
professors or graduate students?
• Student-faculty ratio: What is the
average number of students to faculty
members per class?
• Faculty office hours: Are there enough
office hours offered to see professors
outside of class?
•
Counseling: What is the availability
of academic, career or personal
counseling?
• Financial Aid: Do the cost of the
college and the amount of financial aid
awarded meet your needs?
• Libraries, Labs, Studios: Are they
comfortable to study in? Will the hours
meet your needs?
• Study Abroad: Do most students take
advantage of study abroad? Where?
• Recreational Facilities: Is there a gym,
track, pool?
• Internships: what kinds of
opportunities are available, and how
does the school help with career
networking?
• Club and cultural opportunities and
facilities: Are there a variety of clubs
and cultural activities? How often
do they meet? Are meeting sites
comfortable?
• Extracurricular Activities: What are
the opportunities to join club sports or
the major sports teams?
• Food: How is the food on campus?
Are there other alternatives to the
cafeteria? Is it a flexible plan?
• Housing: What is the availability of
housing on and off campus (dorms,
apartments, and houses)?