The Zinch Report

In the spring, when acceptance letters are mailed, admitted students will likely be invited to come to campus for an overnight visit. These weekends are planned to showcase the best a school has to offer. They occur during the semester so you would have a chance to see the school in action – unlike during the summer when most students are not on campus. You get meal tickets, lists of classes to sit in on, panel discussions, tickets to games, parties, the works!  

Those weekends are available to all students whether or not they’ve visited campus already. They can be very fun, but I get ahead of myself. 

This fall, keep an eye out at your college/guidance office for a schedule of college visits. Many admissions officers spent the fall on the road visiting high schools and talking with students. These are the same people you’d meet if you were able to visit the campus but better (in a way) because the person visiting your school is likely to be the one ultimately reading your application. If you had visited a college campus for the tour, info session and interview, you are unlikely to meet the person who will be reading your application. This means two things. First, it’s a chance to make an impression on a key decision maker. Second, don’t overdo it. This person is not visiting on a secret mission to meet you in particular. Your goal is not to kiss up or box out your peers. These acts are humorously transparent (humorous to the admissions officer, damaging to the applicant). 

Some teachers do not let students out of class to hear a college admissions officer speak. If you can’t get out of class, don’t worry. Have a friend pick up some information for you and get a form to fill out. Often admissions officers will hand out cards/forms for students to fill out. Again, this isn’t to track student’s interest or keep a tally. It’s to create and update mailing lists. If no one from a particular college is visiting your high school find out (call the admissions office or visit their website) if a representative is giving an evening information session in your community.

In my experience, meeting students at the school can be better than meeting them on the college campus because the students are in their element and are more relaxed. Plus, they’re excited to be missing class so the dynamic is more vibrant and easy going; the information is more free-flowing.  

For students of color, many colleges have specific weekends or programs to showcase their schools. These programs are not widely advertised and tend to be self-perpetuating – same high schools, same cities, lots of word of mouth. One suggestion I have for students of color looking to get a feel for colleges is to contact the ones you’re interested in and ask if they have specific programs you might be eligible for. It never hurts to ask.

If you are worried that you have had no contact with any admissions officer or representative of the school, you can always call the office and ask questions. This is rarely done, but I think it’s because most people don’t know that they can. It’s ok to call the office – just make sure you’ve actually got a question.