THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, November 13, 1994 TAG: 9411110329
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 23 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MEREDITH MANSFIELD, HIGH SCHOOL CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 71 lines
It was like a drill. We knew the routine all too well.
Mom, Dad, my sister, Valerie and I piled into the car that sunny June day for yet another visit to yet another college.
This time it was Elon College in North Carolina. We had already been to Mary Washington College, George Mason University and East Carolina. I remember thinking, ``OK, here we go again.''
In all, I've applied to and visited six schools in two states. I guess that makes me an expert of sorts.
Since my junior year, colleges have filled my mailbox with colorful brochures. Those helped me decide if I wanted to learn more about a school, but the actual campus visits have been more valuable.
I've found there are many factors to consider when assessing schools: size, location, cost, religious affiliation and whether the school is single-sex or coed.
One vital statistic that sometimes is overlooked is the percentage of students who are able to graduate in four years. Many students, unaware that it may take five years to complete the requirements for some majors, are unprepared to finance the final year.
Find out if classes are taught by professors or by teaching assistants, graduate students who help the professor.
Find out the class size of general courses like freshman English composition or psychology 101. Is it six or 150? Think of yourself sitting in a class the size of a packed movie theater. Could you deal with that environment?
Aside from academics, check out the social scene. Is housing guaranteed for all four years, and what percentage of students live on campus? Does the school provide sufficient security measures to ensure safety for students?
Students are the best source to find out what the social life is like. Talk to current students to find out about the social life around the town. Ask how many students usually stay on campus on weekends.
In addition, keep the following things in mind:
1. Seniors should keep their grades up all year. Colleges receive final transcripts, so falling second-semester grades can have an impact.
2. Take the most rigorous courses possible. Getting into college is more competitive than ever.
3. Read as much as you can about schools that interest you. Brochures can help, but there are also college guides and even software that have statistics and little movies on them.
4. Determine your price range and face up to the reality of your situation. Apply to schools you will be able to afford.
5. When you visit the campuses:
Make an appointment with the admissions office before the time you plan to visit. Find out if information sessions and campus tours are available.
Plan your visit when school is in session so that you can sit in on a class, speak to professors, eat in the dining hall, see dorm rooms and talk to students.
Dress appropriately. If you plan to attend a general information session, casual clothes are fine. Wear comfortable shoes since you'll be walking a lot. But if you have a personal interview, dress up.
6. Be prepared to ask any questions that you may have about the school, classes and majors. Don't be afraid to ask questions in front of other people.
7. Keep a notebook with entries on the aspects you liked and disliked about each school. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Meredith Mansfield is a senior at Nansemond-Suffolk
by CNB