As the school year begins and upperclassmen prepare to apply to college, many universities are traveling to the school to help with the decision. The presentations they offer include information about colleges, covering financial aid options, admittance rates, and special opportunities that each campus brings.

Students say that while any college information is useful, in-person visits are important to attend, especially if the college is far away or difficult to get to. “For some colleges, [it’s helpful because] they present information that you can’t find online easily, or at all,” senior Ian Page said. “They go over all the information you’ve read or give you the most updated information on percentages, studying abroad, programs, or even special traditions they have.”

Those who have attended the presentations say the process can be more helpful for those who are already well informed. “It’s good to have specific questions to ask,” senior CeCe Collinson said.

Questions are often about advice for the application process, such as what colleges look for in a student and what they prioritize in the process, but students also ask about college life once they are admitted. For more question tips, follow this link: https://blog.prepscholar.com/good-questions-to-ask-on-a-college-tour

However, students who are early in the process say they can find the opportunity helpful as well. While the experience is meant for seniors and juniors, some underclassmen attend visits, including sophomore Natalie Aramendia. “It’s great to spread out college research.” Aramendia said. “It lowers the intensity and stress of junior year…and by attending the visits, you may learn which classmates are also looking at some of the colleges you are.”

The school hopes these visits will not only get students interested in college, but also get college scouts interested in students. “The representatives that come to speak with the students are the ones reading applications,” college and career counselor Ms. Elysse Catino said. “It is a great way for the students to make an impression by simply introducing themselves or asking thoughtful questions.”

To attend a college’s presentation, students have to register for it two days in advance by signing into Naviance, registering for their college visit, and getting a pass from their counselor. Students can log in with their student ID as their username and their six-digit birthday as their password. Attendees must warn their teachers in advance about their absence and get their teacher to sign the pass. A student may not be able to attend a visit if they have an important test or presentation that day.

According to Ms. Catino, colleges usually ask to come to the school, but if a student wants a particular college to visit, she would be willing to reach out. Students can find a list of colleges that are visiting here: https://washingtonlee.apsva.us/office-of-counseling-services/college-career-counseling-office/scheduled-college-visits96/

While attending these visits requires a few steps and planning, Ms. Catino says, “If a student is engaged and truly interested in the college, it is a good use of time.”