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| Stefanie is a freshman at Mount Holyoke College (see Tour 3). |
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This article was brought to you by The MetLife Foundation. The Foundation's College Pathways Program provides girls from all walks of life with opportunities to develop their academic and life skills within a secure, nurturing, girl-centered environment. The MetLife Foundation works with local Girl Scout Councils to help girls actualize their college dreams.
Check Out Studio 2B Focus: College 101 to learn more about the exciting steps girls take to get ready for college. This guide provides tips, information, and advice on topics ranging from college entrance exams, to school selection, to financing higher education, to enjoying the college experience.
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Give it the Ole' College Tour
Tips from a College Freshman
By Stefanie
Up until this point in your college prep, everything seems so far away, right?
Once you start visiting colleges that will all change. By the time your first college tour is over you'll have the college vibe flowing through you.
I'm really glad I visited during the school year. I was able to participate in several unique programs and actually attend some classes. Information sessions and tours can be helpful, but you should try to investigate other options that allow you to experience dorm life or campus cuisine.
Know Before You Go
I only spent a two-month stretch of October and November visiting colleges. I had refined the list of my top picks prior to embarking on a whirlwind tour of college visits, which eliminated the need to visit 39 colleges. As a veteran of college visits, I've written some mini-journal entries on my experiences. Here are a few of the highlights.
Tour 1
Two loops around the campus were enough for me. The brick buildings glared at me from above and the campus seemed devoid of any sort of vegetation. I automatically knew that this school was not an ideal match and told my mom that we could leave. We didn't even have to get out of our car for me to recognize that this university was a really awkward fit.
Tour 2
The campus was absolutely stunning. Ivy cascaded down the stone exterior of the buildings and majestic trees created a soft, dappled light. I remember mentioning to my mom that the architecture of the halls and classrooms reminded me of Hogwarts from Harry Potter. We spent about an hour walking around the campus and investigating but unfortunately we were unable to enter many buildings (the college was closed to visitors on the weekends). My picturesque view of the college was enhanced as we were leaving; I caught a glimpse of a bride and groom posing for a portrait on a balcony. I was really pleased with this particular visit, telling my mom that I had fallen in love with the college.
Tour 3
First I had an interview, which was really low-key. Then, I waited for a student liaison to introduce me to my student host. I had signed up to participate in a program called 'Shadow Days,' enabling prospective students to attend classes with a current college student and even experience residence life in the dormitories. My host and her roommate affectionately referred to me as their 'prospie' and introduced me to their circle of friends. I attended a drama rehearsal with the two girls and was given an informal tour of the campus as I walked with my host to the library. Because the tour was not official, I was comfortable knowing that my student host was candidly answering my questions.
My overnight stay was really wonderful because I was able to immerse myself in the interactions of the girls in the dorm. I also was able to note that the rooms themselves were unusually spacious.
The next morning I decided to attend an anthropology class with one of the girls in the dorm. Wow. My first delicious taste of college academics. I wish I could have stayed for an entire day of classes. Overall, a great experience.
As you try to pick the school that you'll be spending the next four years at, remember that YOU are the best authority on selecting a college that complements your personality and provides you with a forum to succeed. Good luck!
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