As college application season rolls around, with most early action deadlines beginning November 1st, New Hartford Senior High students are given the opportunity to attend college visits in the library during the day. Despite the difficulties of missing class time, students find these visits a productive use of time.
Many students have acknowledged the benefits of these visits, including senior Lynn Mizgala.
“I feel like I have a better idea of what the college is like from the visit,” Lynn states. “I have a better idea of if I want to apply or not.”
Lynn plans on applying early decision to Utica University on November 15, so experiencing a representative introducing the school first hand helps make that decision concrete.
“They’re very helpful if you’re unsure where you wanna go, or in solidifying college lists,” she states.
New Hartford isn’t the only school implementing this practice. Jasper Kyle, a senior at Manlius Pebble Hill, plans on applying early decision to Williams College, and has attended numerous college visits at his school as well. He has also visited about a dozen colleges in person, and experienced a handful of college interviews.
Jasper appreciates the opportunity his school provides, stating “they help me find new schools to look at and give an opportunity to ask questions about my specific wants.”
However, he recommends in-person visits, explaining that while the school ones are good for familiarizing yourself with different schools, you don’t get the same knowledge of campus and academic life as you do when you physically visit the school.
People have been wondering for years how impactful it is to drive, or even fly, numerous hours just to visit a potential college for a few hours. The CollegeBoard has even published an article explaining the benefits of going to schools firsthand.The main questions asked to determine your comfort level with your potential future college are, as listed by the article, “What’s the campus meal plan like? How is the food? What are the options?What’s the social scene like? What kinds of activities are available?, Is there plenty of dorm space or a housing crunch?”, etc.. You can answer many of these questions yourself by touring the campus and talking to admissions officers and current students.
Overall, despite the benefits of touring in person, school college visits can be a positive experience to help expand your knowledge of schooling opportunities, and to solidify your college list.
