Whitney High School

Getting the Most Out of Campus Visits

If you attend a class, ask yourself . . .

Are your students prepared for the class? Do they seem interested in the material?
Do I feel that the students are learning-either new facts or new ways of thinking about a subject?
Is there time for questions and discussion? Do students participate?
Am I intellectually challenged by what is taking place in the class?
Is there good rapport between professors and students?

As you tour the campus, ask yourself . . .

Are the buildings in good repair? the grounds well-kept?
Are the residence halls pleasant and quiet enough to study in? Are there laundry and kitchen facilities?
What's the cafeteria like?
Are computers and lab equipment up-to-date and plentiful?
What's the surruonding town or city like?

In an interview or information session, you could ask . . .

Does the college have academic programs that fit my interests?
Where are computer terminals located? Will I have to pay extra for computer time?
Will I have access to special equipment (such as an electron microscope as a first-year student?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the college's advising system?
How many students will there be in courses I'm likely to take in my first year? Are those courses taught by professors or graduate assistants?
What kinds of campus jobs are available for first-year students?
Will there be any new programs or facilities in the next two years?
What are the college's recent graduates doing now?

After the visit write down your impressions . . .

Were the people you met friendly? Did they answer your questions fully and candidly?
What do you tihnk of the quality of instruction and the academic atmosphere?
Did you like the social atmosphere?
Would you like to spend more time there?