While You’re On Summer Vacation –

Consider a Few College Visits

by Lisa Frederiksen

It’s never really too early to take students to campuses of vocational schools or colleges. Even though many campuses may be very quiet during the summer months, especially the four-year universities, being on a campus is an experiential learning tool that can motivate, start brainstorming discussions and just make young people think about their future.

Parents can help their children look at their post-high school options by taking them to colleges and vocational schools during the summer breaks. These can be schools in their hometown area or ones they’re passing by while on vacation. They don’t need to be schools they realistically expect their children to attend. Some families take their children to visit Harvard even though they say they would faint if their child got into that school (we’re not talking negative parents here… just a little realistic.)

We’ve put together a handout for your families, which you can copy or email, that reviews some questions to ask and to think about when looking at a college campus or technical/vocational school.

We’ve received some good feedback about our handouts. We’d like to continue writing more handouts for you to distribute, if that helps you do your job. Please let us know what other information you would like and we will try to put it together for you.

Thanks for being part of the Career Kids community. Contact us if you would like any samples of materials or help finding new products.

On behalf of the staff at Career Kids,

Lisa

Visiting College Campuses, Vocational Schools and

Career Colleges Over Summer

One way to help your middle school or high school student to start thinking about what they may want to do after high school is to visit one or two colleges, vocational schools or career colleges in your area or while on vacation this summer. These don’t need to be schools your student is necessarily interested in attending, rather they’re convenient and will give your student a sense of what it’s all about.

For the student that is motivated and knows he wants to continue with his postsecondary education and training, this is a great way to introduce him to different campuses. And for other students, visiting campuses can help generate ideas, discussion and visions for the future.

The following information has been gathered from a variety of resources to provide you with questions to ask colleges or vocational schools, as well as for the student to ask herself.

If you have special circumstances, such as a disability, you should be asking questions at any school about the services they offer, such as note-takers, readers or modified instruction. There should be a specialist at the school to handle your personal questions.

For All Types of Colleges and Schools: Read the bulletin boards to get a feel for activities and clubs on campus. Try to eat in the cafeteria if you are there at lunchtime. And, always check out the student/bookstore store. All these things provide subtle hints as to campus life at that particular school and what it has to offer.

For Vocational and Career Colleges:

Getting training after high school may help you get a better-paying job doing work you like. But going to school is a big investment. You’re investing your time. Chances are you’ll also have to invest your own money or take out a student loan to go to school. So you need to be sure that you’re choosing the right school.

When you visit the school. Call the school and schedule a visit. While it’s preferable to visit during the regular school year while a full slate of classes are being taught, most schools have a summer program. Get a feel for the school; make sure you’re comfortable with the facilities, the equipment, the teachers, and the students.

Don’t be afraid to ask! A good school will be happy to answer your questions about its programs. Ask the school about its students: How many graduate? How many get jobs because of the training they received? What kind of job placement services does the school offer students and graduates?

Check the cost. Make sure the school gives you a clear statement of its tuition and fees. Remember that any federal financial aid you get will be applied first to paying the school's tuition and fees. if there's any money left over, the school will give it to you to help you pay for things such as food and rent.

Will employers accept the training at this school as preparation for employment? Call the employment office or human resources department of some businesses or companies where you might like to work. Ask if they expect employees to have a certificate or license in order to be hired. Also ask if they can recommend a career college or technical school that provides the training required for employment.

- Adapted from the Department of Education informational website

Questions to ask at a four-year college:

How competitive is it to get admitted?

What is the average class rank of the current freshman class?

What is the high school G.P.A. of the current freshman class?

What is the average SAT/ACT of the current freshman class?

What types of organizations for student involvement are established on the campus?

What sport and athletic opportunities are available to students?

What is the public transportation like around the school?**

What is the housing situation at the school?

How big is the campus? How long will it take to walk to classes?

How much is tuition, room and board?* Can you live on campus more than one year if you choose? How far from home is the campus?**

What percentage of students graduate in four years?

*One of the more affordable ways to get a four-year degree is to attend a community college for the first two years and then transfer to a four-year college for the last two years.