College-bound? It pays to visit first is the title of a very recent article in The Boston Globe (August 21, 2017)
The focus of the article describes how some colleges are using modern tracking and analysis systems to view prospective students. It is in the best interest of the student to be “seen” by the colleges of their choice as interested in attending that college. Being “seen” means that the prospective student has multiple reasons to connect with someone in the Marketing Department, the Admissions Department, the Chairperson of their Major or a coach.
The college’s interest begins with the initial email from the student requesting information from the college. Each subsequent touch point between the prospective student and the college may be tracked by the Admissions Department and used as another indicator of that student’s interest and compatibility to that college!
The request to tour the college and to have an interview with the admissions office is the greatest indicator of interest. Clearly, there is a limited amount of time that a high school senior can spend in the physical process of visiting and interviewing at colleges. It pays to be very selective and well prepared for these events. The first impression of the prospective student to the interviewer will be a lasting one.
The following is the link to the article on The Boston Glove website.
http://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/article_popover.aspx?guid=b676b2a0-e487-4fad-ae13-00f3742f1106
The value of the Official Tour and interview is something that a prospective student should consider highly. This interaction with people on the campus will give the student a surface look into the culture of the school. A very legitimate question for the student to pose to the Admissions interviewer concerns the culture of the school. The question can be asking for a description of the ideal candidate for admissions to the college and how their personal background should fit and flourish at that college. Another way of phrasing the question is to ask what are the goals and values that the college will instill in their students. Take notes and follow up with a thank you note to the interviewer.