5 College Tour Must-Sees
Monday, October 18, 2010
Fall Open Houses are in full swing on college campuses at this time of year, as seniors rush for last minute visits and juniors begin their college search. The library, the dining hall, the sports complex and a standard brightly decorated bedroom by Bed, Bath and Beyond will be on every campus tour. Most families will get in the car and go home after that, but here are some hidden places you should consider seeing before you leave:
1. The Academic Support Center
It can be a few rooms with a part-time staff person, or it can be a well appointed building with an array of professionals and the latest learning technologies. Many students will need a physics tutor, study skills class, writing assistance or books on tape. Depending on your student’s needs, you should assess if the center is adequate.
2. The Health Center
Don’t wait until the middle of the night to find out that the infirmary doesn’t stay open 24/7 or that doctors are only “on call” for weekends. Stop in, see how clean it is, ask about staffing and hours of operation. Also, find out where the nearest hospital is that the center escalates cases to.
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It’s not the end all. Many of the top colleges in the nation exist in an oasis surrounded by dangerous neighborhoods, a noisy highway, or miles of deserted woods with no town center. Nevertheless, it is important to some students and
families. So, ask the admissions rep what the local haunts are that students frequent, take a drive around the perimeter of the college, and see whether the area suit you.
4. Your Intended Major’s Department
Few tours will include a stop in the building that houses your chosen area of study. If you plan to be a science major, make sure to check out the labs-they vary WIDELY. If Theatre will be your major, drop by the performing arts center. Whatever your interest, you want to make sure that the department is well-staffed. Pick up a course list for the present semester, and see the facilities and technology.
5. The Security Office
Students will bristle when parents say that they want to stop by the security office, but it’s a good idea. Ask if they have a campus crime statistics sheet, the hours of operation, how many officers are on duty each shift, and what escort services they offer. You want to know that if you need to study until 2am at the library, that you won’t have to walk back to your dorm alone late at night.
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