Admissions Expertise I want to make the most of campus visits. What should I do, look for, and ask while I’m there? College tours require significant planning and expense to make them productive. Remembering what a prospective student and his family have seen and heard after visiting five or six schools over 3-5 days can be overwhelming. To address this problem I have developed an evaluation form for students which helps them assess the pros and cons of each school while touring the campus, during information sessions and while talking to students so they can easily compare schools. The form contains a rating system for evaluating each aspect of a school's academic and social environment including geographic location, dorm life, academics, preferred major, sports, Greeks, costs, etc. plus a column for personal observations. It concludes with the question, "Can I see myself as a student there? ..... for four years?" Students find it very beneficial when visiting multiple campuses in a short time. 498 Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed. What makes a school large or small and what are some advantages and disadvantages of each? Among the benefits of a small liberal arts college is the ease with which faculty gets to know the students. An Occidental professor says that by the second day of class, he knows each student by first name. At Cornell College the faculty pays close attention to each student and can identify whether a student needs help. Students can't sit in the back of a lecture room and go unnoticed. Also, research opportunities in small schools can be as good as those in major universities. If it's Big Ten sports you're seeking or a chance to be anonymous, a large university might suit you. 912 Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed. What are the most accepted or exaggerated myths about the college admissions process? Valedictorians are always victorious. Recent numbers show that although valedictorians typically have the grades and test scores to be accepted anywhere, many are turned away from highly selective colleges. In addition to test scores they also need other attributes which are attractive to admissions. There's only one perfect school for me. Although students may believe they can only be happy and successful at a particular school it has been shown time and again that finding the "good fit" school is more important. I'm a Failure if I don't get into college "X." It is impossible to predict which schools will accept you. Never consider it a personal failure. You are competing with thousands of others with similar qualifications. 197 Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed. What can I do with a major in the arts if I don't get full-time work as a performer /artist ? You can take your talent and teach it to others! There are many career fields which would embrace your skills and creativity: communications, technology, computer assisted design,graphics, managing art galleries, television. Businesses frequently seek out individuals with creativity. Unfortunately many performers and artists can not get full time jobs in their chosen careers but if you're willing to work at several jobs you can get career satisfaction. Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed. How can parents help students with the college search and application process? This is an important time in your child's life as he/she seeks independence and becomes an adult. Planning for college is an ideal way to begin the process. Some tips to make the process more beneficial for parents and child: Do not direct. Let the student take ownership of the process and set the timetable. Be supportive and caring. Don't be a nag. Set limits at the beginning so there are no surprises. Make college visits together. Be honest and optimistic. Consider hiring an educational consultant who is knowledgeable and objective who can guide the child while assisting parents to be realistic. 108 Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed.