Most students understand that the college visit is an invaluable component of the decision-making process. On a visit, you are there to evaluate the school. Please note, however, that the people you come into contact with (including current students, professors, admission staff and your fellow prospective students) on your visit will also be evaluating you. Now, now, let’s not get too paranoid here. Take a deep breath and read on. Here are a few handy commandments to observe, thereby ensuring the impression you make on your college campus visit is positively sterling.
Thou shalt not be embarrassed by your parents.
We won’t judge you by your parents so long as you promise us the same (I love you, Mom!) Also: we’ve seen it all. Trust us; your mom’s persistent questions about campus safety or your dad’s fanny pack are the least of our concerns. Save the eye-rolling and sighs for the car trip home because those behaviors don’t display the maturity and composure colleges seek from applicants.
Thou shalt be polite.
Don’t go running for your Emily Post book just yet. But—please know, all the commonsense manners rules apply. Be on time. If you can’t make your appointment, let the visit coordinator know. Introduce yourself (and your parents!) to those you come into contact with. Be attentive during presentations, interviews and classes. (Save yourself the temptation to update your Facebook status or text during the class you are sitting in on by turning your phone off). Smile.
Thou shalt not bash other schools.
While this falls under the previous precept to “be polite,” it is important enough to warrant a separate commandment. While we expect you will compare us to other schools, we don’t need to hear about it, even if your comparisons are all favorable. If you like our dorms, say so. Don’t say, “WOW, this makes X University’s dorms look like DUMPS!” Conversely, expect that the people you come into contact with on your visit will similarly avoid discussing other schools and instead focus on the merits of their own school. You, the student, are the best and only real judge of a school’s strengths and weaknesses in comparison to another institution.
Thou shalt keep an open mind.
Okay, so maybe you’ve known since the moment you could speak that you were destined for medical school. That does not mean your eyes should glaze over during the tour of the Humanities department. It is fair to expect that the facilities of most all the departments should be “up to par” so pay attention. And you’ll be happy you did when you later decide to become an English and Classics double major (Kidding! Sort of…) Also, please realize that an excellent education can be achieved in a number of ways. While it is valuable to keep a mental list of “must-haves” in a college, it is also important to maintain a sense of flexibility in your expectations.
Thou shalt not name drop.
Yes, there are some connections that beg mentioning. Most, however, do not. On most college tours, other families will also be in attendance. Unless you want to feel their eyes boring into the back of your head, it’s best to avoid mentioning the fact that your uncle is besties with the president of the College and your mom is the mayor of your town. Save that for your private meeting with an admission counselor.
In conclusion, first impressions do matter and with tiniest bit of effort, you can make yours a great one. Here’s to your success on campus now and later!
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