As senior year’s packed to-do list piles up alongside the stress, it’s hard to find time to figure out your future home. University of California, Irvine might be down the street, but visiting every school isn’t realistic. That’s why you should take advantage of Northwood’s college visits.
College visits take place during tutorial, lunch and after school in the College and Career Center in Room 1035. According to College and Career Specialist Alyssa Phan, Northwood will host 85 colleges this school year. This includes traditional four-year public and private universities, community colleges, vocational schools and even the military.
Phan ensures that these visits bring a mix of brand-name and lesser-known schools, many of which may not be on your list.
“I really want to take the opportunity through college visits to introduce students to more schools that you don’t get to hear about,” Phan said. “By bringing them out and them being able to kind of highlight their program, then you can find out that they have special programs and unique opportunities.”
During each visit, students meet face-to-face with admission officers who typically share their ideal student, admissions expectations and school-specific tips, then answer student questions.
“I want students to come out earlier on because if the student comes back to visit every year by coming to the college visits, it allows the admission counselor to see demonstrated interest, meaning that the student is truly interested in the school and wants to learn more as a potential student,” Phan said.
Students can make good impressions by researching schools beforehand and asking questions that cannot be easily answered online. This invaluable information not only allows students to figure out schools that fit them, but also helps them tailor their applications.
“Knowing what schools are looking for gives you a pretty solid idea of how to gear your essays towards that specific school,” senior Milton Sun said. “You can highlight how that particular college’s strengths align with your application or future goals.”
On top of connecting with the representatives during the visits, Phan encourages students to follow up afterwards. As most representatives share their contact information through business cards or QR codes, a simple thank-you email or additional questions you may have goes a long way in building a strong relationship.
Phan also stressed that college visits are not just for seniors and juniors.
“It’s really important that students start attending these college visits as early as freshman year,” Phan said. “By learning more about the application process, and what schools have to offer, it would help students solidify a college list and be ready for the application process.”
Students can find upcoming visits through the weekly counseling newsletter, weekly bulletin, Instagram, Canvas announcements and the counseling page on Northwood’s website.
