November is a month when most New Jersey public school students enjoy several days off for Election Day, Teacher Convention Days, and the Thanksgiving Break. For most of these days, college classes, and the activities that surround them, are in full swing. So, it’s the perfect time for high school students to tour the colleges they’re dreaming of and find out what life would be like on any particular campus.
If parents can take time off work, it’s the ideal opportunity for a road trip. Most students attend college within a few hours of home, so the trip does not have to be to a far-off location. Colleges in Washington D.C. and Boston are often on students’ list of potential best-fit schools, making these popular cities to visit. Some Boston favorites are Boston College and Boston, Northeastern, Tufts, and Harvard universities. Washington D.C. favorites are typically American, George Washington, and Georgetown universities.
Even if students are on their own for their school break, there are more than two dozen four-year colleges within New Jersey that they can tour on their own, or with friends. Popular options are Princeton, Rutgers, TCNJ, Seton Hall, NJIT and Stevens Institute of Technology.
Students should always book a tour in advance, and then sign in upon arrival. Colleges keep records of student visits and look favorably on this data as a sign of “demonstrated interest.” When touring college campuses, students should take notes. Although at the time they think they will remember exactly what they are seeing, after touring a multitude of schools the details tend to get blurred.
Students, and their parents, should make the most of the opportunity to ask the tour guide all their questions about each college. Typical inquiries revolve around academics, research and internship opportunities, food and housing options, clubs and extracurricular activities, athletics and school spirit, study abroad opportunities, faculty engagement, success of graduates in gaining acceptance to medical or law school, and job placement services. Families may also seek answers regarding attendance costs and merit and need-based aid from the Financial Aid Department.
It’s wise for college-bound students to tour the schools they’re interested in prior to filing applications. Sometimes, upon walking a campus and gathering information, a student realizes that the college is not at all what was envisioned. Other times, the college may become a top priority, worthy of an Early Decision application. Either way, a student is bound to gain valuable insight from time spent on a college campus.
Susan Alaimo is the founder & director of Collegebound Review, offering PSAT/SAT®preparation & private college advising by Ivy League educated instructors. Visit CollegeboundReview.com or call 908-369-5362
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