Skip to main content

Scarsdale High School

Schools

Popular Links

  1. Departments
  2. Counseling
  3. College Information
  4. Visiting Colleges

Visiting Colleges

A visit to campus is the best way to see for yourself what a college is like. Visits are arranged by contacting the admission office by telephone or e-mail or through the admissions webpage. Visiting provides the opportunity for direct observation and experience. You will get a sense of the “personality” of each college, and the composition of the student body. When you visit a college, talk to students and ask questions. Explore the areas of most interest to you, using the following criteria:

    • Where are they from? Local communities? Other states and countries? Public or private schools? 
    • What are they like? Studious? Social? Athletic? Intellectual? Diverse?
    • Do they seem comfortable? Overworked? Bored?
    • What do they do on and off campus? Sports? Student government? Greek life? Concerts/lectures/plays? Clubs? Community service?

    • What do you like most about this college?...least?
    • If you had it to do again, would you still choose this college?
    • How many hours a week do you study? Is that typical of students here? 
    • How easy is it to get the classes you want at registration?
    • How available are campus jobs?
    • How accessible are faculty members outside of class?
    • What do students do on weekends?
    • How easy or difficult is it to study in your dorm room?
    • What is the library like as a place to study?...to do research?

    • Facilities: Libraries? Laboratories/classrooms? Student Center? Book Store?
    • Dorms: Comfortable? Noisy? Condition? Freshman housing? Is there enough room? Is there enough privacy? Is housing guaranteed all four years? Off campus housing available? Are there themed houses available? Greek housing?
    • Meals: How is the food? How flexible is the plan? Do they cater to special diets (vegetarian, Kosher, etc.)?
    • Athletics: Who plays? Are intramurals and/or club sports available? How are the facilities? 
    • Student services: Academic counseling? Personal counseling? Career counseling?
    • Religious services: Services on or near campus? Religious organizations on campus?

    • What’s on the bulletin boards? This is a good indication about what is going on on campus.
    • What are the issues being discussed on campus or in campus publications?
    • Are rooms in residence halls pleasant? Quiet enough to study in?
    • How appealing are the setting and architecture?
    • What is the condition of the buildings? Are there new buildings as well as older ones? Is lab equipment up-to-date and plentiful?
    • Are common areas in the residence hall attractive? Are there laundry and kitchen facilities?
    • What are the cafeteria and other eating areas like?
    • Are the grounds well-kept?
    • What’s the surrounding town or city like? Would I feel comfortable here?

    • How large are the classes? What is the typical size of a freshman class? Does it change over the college experience?
    • How many very large classes should I expect to take?
    • How are they taught? Lectures? Seminars? Free discussions?
    • By whom are they taught: Professors? Graduate assistants?

    •  How interested do students appear to be in the material?
    •     Is the lesson interactive?
    •     Is there time for questions and discussion? Do students participate?
    •     What is the rapport between professors and students?
    •     Would I feel comfortable as a student in this setting?

    • Take a campus tour
    •  Meet with an admission officer
    • Meet with a professor in the major in which you are interested.
    • Talk with students and faculty. If possible, meet with former SHS students.
    • Visit a residence hall
    • Visit the cafeteria/library/student commons
    • Attend a class
    • Ask about financial aid opportunities, if appropriate.
    • Visit with a person in academic support services, if appropriate.
    • Meet with a coach, if appropriate.