“I know that college visits are a great idea but my family doesn’t have the
time or money to visit some of the schools I’m really interested in. What else
can I do?”– Jennifer R., Tampa Bay, FL.
A: College visiting through your cell phone!
Absolutely nothing can replace a visit to a college campus for a prospective student.
Experiencing the student culture, academic compatibility, and true match can best help
determine your interest level. If you are unable to get on a campus then try pulling out
your mobile device for your college searches. More campuses are setting up apps where
students can get a tour and information right at the touch of a smart phone screen. Colleges
are catering to students that use their mobile devices as a source of information and connection.
– Joan Koven – Founder & Director – Academic Access
A: Visits are for information gathering AND demonstration of interest
If you can’t visit, you can gather plenty of information through the college’s website, its
Facebook page, comments on Unigo and College Prowler, and traditional guidebooks. Also,
talk with family, friends, teachers and employers to find out what they may know about the
college. Let the admissions office know all that you’re doing to gather information and if cost
is a significant deterrent to your visit, ask if there are any opportunities for assistance with
travel cost. If not, ask the admissions office if it’s possible to arrange a Skype conversation or
interview with someone on staff. You’ll learn more and you’ll convey initiative!
– Jane Shropshire— Founder – Shropshire Educational Consulting LLC
A: Tour schools from your computer!
Yes, it is ideal if you can visit each college in person, but through the power of the internet,
you can still “see” each campus and meet some of the people there. To get a quick overview,
go to www.youniversitytv.com. They have professional videos of hundreds of schools, and
many also have student videos posted. Another site to consider is www.collegeweeklive.com.
They have virtual college tours, college fairs, and ways to connect with current students at
the schools you find appealing. Sign up and start touring!
– Lynda McGee– College Counselor – Magnets High School
Don’t miss answers by the Dean of Admissions at University of Pennsylvania, Wesleyan University, and
more – at www.unigo.com/expertnetwork. To send your question to our experts, visit www.unigo.com/
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