Counseling Office

Yesterday afternoon just before school closed for the day, two senior girls appeared in my office and asked for me to arrange a college visit for them.  Seniors are allowed two excused absences for college visits.

 

Before doing anything else, I requested that the girls each fill out a form in order to pinpoint a target date; find out the student’s academic and extra-curricular interests; be sure the student has transportation—which the school does not provide—for that day; and to get parental approval.  When the blue form comes back to my office, I call the requested college and set up the college visit.  The college asks for the student’s full name, mailing address, and telephone number and usually confirms the date by mail.

 

When I have a firm date and time agreed to by the college, I double-check that it is acceptable with the student.  I write down for them the time for the visit; the building they are supposed to go to; parking arrangements; the office in the building where they are supposed to meet; and the name of the person who will be in charge of their visit.  Then I arrange with the school office for the student’s absence to be excused on the given day.

 

Most college visits take place in the fall and winter; and with all the activities that come along during the spring and toward the end of the year, it is better that way.   Today I had a difficult time setting up two college visits at the same time at a date and time that would work for both the college and the girls. 

 

When I finished high school, I didn’t formally visit any college.  I picked a college according to its price, convenience, and my inclination.  Today counselors and college admissions representatives stress the importance of visiting colleges before you enroll.  You can see the outlay of the campus and find out how much walking is entailed in getting from class to class.  You can see how big the dorm rooms are.  You can find out how hard it will be to get a parking place.  You can observe how extensive the library is and if the computer lab is adequate.  Usually you are given a complimentary lunch in the cafeteria so you can try out the food.

 

Some kids arrange for their own college visits, but I am very happy to do it for them, if they will ask.  I know what information the admissions office is likely to request before the visit, and I know the procedure to follow here at school to ensure that the absence is excused.  I’ll be happy to help you!