Dream schools for many students represent more than simply where they would like to attend college – they may include schools where their parents attended or schools with notable alumni or faculty that inspire them.
Keep in mind that getting into your desired school may not be simple, especially with admission rates declining year by year.
1. Get to Know the Campus
College can be an unfamiliar place and may seem intimidating at first, especially if you are attending prestigious universities like Harvard, MIT, or UBC. But that doesn’t have to be the case all the time. With some careful preparation and support from faculty and fellow students, it won’t have to be this way!
Start by getting to know your campus and where everything is situated – this will enable you to navigate with ease if you’re on a tour or attending an event.
As part of your tour, do not be shy to ask questions and enlist assistance if necessary if you become lost – they’re always more than willing! Additionally, asking questions can help determine whether a school suits your academic interests; such as do they offer any major specific programs? And intern programs? Are these helpful in landing jobs after graduation? The more information you gather during your tour the easier it will be for you to navigate towards finding your perfect university!
2. Go on a Tour
An educational college tour can help students narrow down their list of prospective colleges. Touring allows students to experience campus facilities such as residence halls and dining halls while listening to an admission counselor or current students discuss each school they visit.
On a tour, students can inspect the condition of residence halls and amenities like recreation centers, computer hubs, study spaces and more. Students should speak to admission counselors about safety policies as well as annual security reports – an essential component in choosing a school.
They may also take the opportunity to visit specific departments that they’re curious about and speak with students, faculty and staff in these departments. This approach can be especially helpful if there are two schools they love but can’t decide between; knowing more about both will make making a decision much simpler.
3. Meet with Students
College can be an amazing time for making new friendships and exploring the world! Cheering on your university sports team or joining student organizations are among the many experiences that will become some of your fondest memories!
Talk with current students during your visit and find out what they love about the school. Colleges are eager to introduce visitors to students who can answer your questions and show you if a college community may suit your lifestyle well.
Remember that colleges have different goals when recruiting their incoming students; yours may not match up exactly. Don’t take rejection personally if your ideal school says no – many students experience rejection! Just ensure you have backup plans!
4. Get a Taste of the Food
Gen Z students are now entering college and adapting to an entirely different campus culture. When choosing their institution, they consider not only tuition costs and graduation rates but also amenities that foster community, such as food.
Students seeking schools that facilitate their food preferences – be they allergic reactions, veganism or simply trying out new cuisines – typically seek schools that make it easy for them to indulge their favorite treats while accommodating any dietary restrictions without drawing undue attention to themselves. Our university clients therefore often offer allergen-sensitive areas and taste tests.
Some colleges even use food to promote their brand, like Montclair State University who recently hosted an event where students sampled sushi, Cuban food and prime rib with mashed potatoes as part of its Clove Road campus’s new dining options launch event. They also presented research that supports how sound and taste together enhance a food’s experience.
5. Get a Feel for the Culture
College cultures distinguish them from other institutions of higher education. This could involve sports teams or Greek life playing an integral role, or it could be driven by diversity initiatives at the school.
Knowing your ideal university’s culture before making your application can help narrow down the selection and make an informed decision about which institution best meets your needs.
Colleges value well-rounded students, and extracurricular activities like clubs, sports, and volunteering can help demonstrate this. But it’s also important to remain true to yourself by selecting activities you enjoy – otherwise your classes could become unpleasant experiences without reaping maximum benefit from your experience. You can learn more about a college’s culture by visiting its websites and social media accounts.
6. Go on a Day Trip
University will often be the first time students are living away from home and this can be daunting at first. But there are ways you can combat homesickness at uni.
One of the best ways to explore is with a day trip. There are numerous fantastic choices ranging from historical landmarks and shopping to exploring nature parks – plus, as a student you may qualify for a discounted railcard that will save money when travelling!
One way to maximize your university experience is to engage in social activities. Joining societies or attending the gym are great examples. Furthermore, volunteering will enable you to give back while developing important skills.
7. Get to Know the Professors
College lecture classes can be daunting at first. Make an effort to introduce yourself and introduce yourself to professors during non-busy periods at the start of each semester, then make time to attend office hours held prior to classes starting each week. This can set yourself apart.
These discussions offer you a great chance to ask questions and demonstrate your engagement in the course content, plus make friends with the professor who may remember your face from class time-to-time!
professors can be invaluable resources. Establishing relationships with them will provide access to internship and research opportunities as well as letters of recommendation for future job or graduate school applications. Visit them during office hours or reach out via email or Canvas message if possible.
8. Get a Feel for the Student Life
Student life is a core element of university experience. While some may prioritize having the ideal student experience, others are more focused on academic excellence and grades than anything else. There is no single solution; rather it depends on your desired outcomes from this journey.
If homesickness is an issue for you, try searching for colleges close to home that have strong communities of students from your hometown – this will make seeing family and friends easier during breaks.
Talking with current students at your prospective colleges is also highly recommended, as they will give invaluable advice about what to expect at the institution, including how best to become part of student life and which courses would suit you best. Furthermore, they can give guidance as to which parts of town are safe places to live in.
9. Get a Feel for the Community
Students attending your dream college can provide invaluable help in choosing a major and understanding life there. Furthermore, they can answer questions regarding community life as well as provide invaluable insight into their school.
If you haven’t been accepted to your dream college yet, take a gap year to gain valuable experiences that will make your application stand out next time around. This may involve interning, traveling abroad or volunteering.
Demonstrating interest is one of the main criteria colleges consider when accepting applicants. By visiting, taking a campus tour and scheduling an optional interview you can show their admissions team that you’re serious about their university. Landing the perfect school may not be easy but with these tips in place you can make the most of the application process and secure admission! Best wishes with your application process.
10. Get a Feel for the Culture
Culture at a company plays an influential role in several key aspects of employee experiences, including feelings of fulfillment and enjoyment in their jobs. According to research by Society for Human Resource Management, an unfavorable workplace culture could cost businesses $223 billion in lost productivity and turnover over five years.
Be sure to gain an idea of the college culture without actually visiting by joining discussion boards and reading online material. While promotional material might provide the best picture possible of their institution, you’ll gain more insights through what’s not said.
Attend meetings or celebrations held by groups that differ from yours, as well as socialize in places frequented by students of other cultures. Immersing yourself into another culture makes building relationships with members easier.
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