As we wrap up from this past weekend's
Sleeping Bag Weekend, I would like to dedicate the following post to what you should do and what you should probably avoid when visiting a school:
10. Don't insult the current students. Whether you are curious as to whether or not they accurately portray a stereotype of the school, or you think their major is silly or they come from a rough city----do not insult them. You would not want a high school senior and his/her parents insulting YOU while you are just trying to live your life.
9. Do ask questions. If you want to know about school stereotypes, try something like "I hear a lot of people are nerdy hear; however, after speaking with you and hanging out on campus, I can't imagine how anyone would even fit that stereotype!" or if you think someone has a major that won't land them a good career try saying, "Oh wow! I didn't even know that dark magic was even a major! What kind of classes do you take? What do you plan on doing after graduation?"
See, you can find out more about what sparks your curiosity without making people feel lame.
8. Don't come back to your hosts room past 1AM or 2AM without giving him or her advanced notice. College students sleep too.
7. Do thank your host when you leave to go home. A little graciousness can go a long way.
6. Don't act like you are better, smarter and way cooler than everyone else at the college that you are visiting. First of all, it's nearly impossible to be better, smarter and cooler than anyone and secondly, you are applying to that college to be among these people. They all got in, you may not necessarily get in. You probably aren't all that smarter than they are.
5. Do make friends. Make friends with your host, the tour guides, the fellow prospective students. Get a feel for the student body and see if you can envision yourself there.
4. Don't let your parents do all the talking. We want to hear from YOU.
3. Do ask the questions that you keep on wondering about. If you are telling yourself that you might possibly be able to find the answer online, so you keep it to yourself, ASK IT! We love questions.
2. Don't make outrageous demands on the admissions team, professors, students and faculty. We are all here to make the campus community feel like a community. We want to help you, but we wont if you are disrespectful to us.
1. Do trust your gut. If you love the campus, admit it to yourself. Allow yourself to love a college. If you just have a bad gut feeling, follow that. No matter how much other people love a college, you don't need to love it as well.
