We all understand that high school students should visit college campuses before deciding whether or not to apply to that particular college. Since it is going to be their home for the next four years (or longer), they should feel comfortable there, it should offer an educational program that interests them, and it should be in an area or city that offer activities that they enjoy. This is hard to tell from pictures on a college website or brochure, so in-person college visits and tours are crucial.
Colleges are also telling us that it’s crucial because they are starting to monitor students’ demonstrated interest, which is often evident from their interactions with the campus. Students who register for the official tour, who contact the admissions office for questions, or who ask for an interview are more likely to be engaged in their education and really want to attend said college.
Knowing all of these, the professional recommendation is to visit as many colleges as possible during 9th, 10th and 11th grades of high school. Senior year trips can be reserved for getting a second view at a much narrower list of colleges, especially when trying to decide between two or three who have already accepted the student.
Students, and even more so parents, are very busy and taking a couple of days off several times a year to take college trips isn’t feasible for all families. As a college consultant, Jolyn Brand takes many college trips every year and is now offering students a chance to participate as well. These trips will be chaperoned, cost-effective, and professionally-guided tours through the colleges and college towns that the student is considering.
Upcoming College Tours for Fall 2014:
New York Universi
Sept 5-6- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke University- FULL
Sat, Sept 20- University of Houston Cougar Preview Day
Monday, Nov 17- UT Computer Science tour
Sat, Nov 22- University of North Texas Preview Day
Students will be required to register for the official college tour and to sign waiver forms for transportation. Jolyn Brand, will coordinate transportation, lodging and activities for the students during the trip.
Please use the contact form to inquire about one or more of the college trips. A price sheet and agenda can be emailed to you for each trip. If you prefer to ask questions directly, please call Jolyn at 832-569-2467 or email [email protected].
April trip to Baylor
Spring 2015 college trips may also include:
One 3-4 day trip to explore Northwest colleges, specifically in Washington state, specifically University of Washington, Washington State U, Seattle University
One Saturday trip through Texas A&M and Baylor University
One 2-3 day trip to explore colleges in Colorado, specifically University of Denver, University of Colorado, Colorado School of Mines, and US Air Force Academy
