Admissions Expertise I want to make the most of campus visits. What should I do, look for, and ask while I’m there? Before doing a series of visits, try to outline what you are looking for—besides how well you feel you fit in. Memorize three to five things that you are going to try to examine at every school. Say you know you need quiet study space; late-night food; and plenty of free events to attend. You may find answers during your tour, or you may want to wander the campus, observing gathering spaces and reading bulletin boards. If your questions are specific, ask Admissions for guidance when you book your trip so that you can meet appropriate faculty and students. 561 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? Small colleges have distinct personalities. Are you quirky, free-spirited, intellectual, religious, conservative, or highly social? You will be able to express yourself in a welcoming environment where you are likely to make friends for life. Are you serious about academics? Your professors will get to know you (and challenge you), and you will not compete with graduate students for their attention. Do you have varied interests? You will be able to participate in and even lead many activities. If the school is a good fit for you academically and socially, your college years could be amazing. 779 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? Students often misunderstand the purpose of long and short statements they must write for many applications. The longer personal statement (the essay) is not a textbook expository essay. It is a personal narrative meant to show who you are, as well as how well you express yourself. The shorter statements individual colleges ask for may be at least as important. These questions are meant to gauge how well you know the school as well as your level of interest. That’s why writing about College X when you are applying to College Y (yes, it does happen) can sink an application. 584 Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed. Is it possible to negotiate the school’s offer? Think of appealing rather than negotiating need-based financial aid. If your family’s circumstances have changed, if you made errors on the paperwork, or if you believe the school has misjudged your situation, you can appeal an award. Assemble documents to support your case, such as a termination letter or proof of the error. If comparable schools have calculated a different family contribution for your financial aid, include copies of competing offers. If your first-choice college offers merit scholarships, you may be able to demonstrate that comparable schools have offered more. Don’t be surprised, however, if the school refuses to negotiate. Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed. Can what I post on Facebook affect my chances of getting accepted? As you transition to adulthood, your online persona (including your email alias) will become potentially more public and definitely more important. A 2008 Kaplan survey of admissions officers found that 10% of them had looked at applicants’ social networking profiles and that at least one school had rejected an applicant on the basis of statements he made online. Unless something bothers them about an application, admissions readers usually won’t search on your name, but employers often do. Yet you are unlikely ever to find out if that party photo got you rejected, so keep your online identity clean. 18 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? As parents, your most important role in the college search and application process is to support your teen. The more you can hand over responsibility to your emerging adult, the better you will feel when he or she goes off to school without you. You will have to do the financial aid portion of the process, so stay on top of deadlines. The student should handle most contact with the schools and should complete the applications, but you can be available to advise and proofread. Ideally, the student will feel motivated to move forward and take ownership of the process. 83 Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed.