Doing More With theHigh School Visit

Zakiya Collins, University of CincinnatiJessica King, University of Cincinnati

Cindy Weeks, McNicholas High School

2010 OACAC Spring Conference

We’re preparing for the visit…

Where do we start?

Admissions RepresentativesCover basic, key information about admissionsUnderstand that it’s about timing, timing,

timingFull class period, running late, etc.

Strive to be flexible with high school schedulesFind ways to connect with students BEFORE the

visit…and ways to stay connected after the visit

Bring incentives for counselors

College CounselorsProvide up-front scheduling policies

Specific visitation day, lunch visits only, etc.

Greet admissions repsShow them to their location

Assist with materialsHelp keep students focused

General SuggestionsCheat sheets and school profilesEarly scheduling, notification of policies

E-mail, letter, phone call – It goes both ways!Anticipate size of group and particular needs

Call ahead, use technology and tracking options

Cards of appreciationMaintaining contact through the year

Building relationships, helping students

So, we’re at the high school…

What happens now?

Admissions RepresentativesConnect with students

Leave a lasting, positive impression about your school

Let your personality shineMake students comfortableJokes, stories

Know your audienceBe honest, yet positive

College CounselorsHost a college kick-off session for your

seniors at the beginning of the yearJunior year programs are helpful but students

need a refresherCover any range of details of the college search

process Questions to ask admissions representations Deadlines Tips about essays and statements Testing and preparation

Leads to better informed students, more opportunity to focus on the college

Admissions RepresentativesFind a creative presentation style that

works for youMove away from generic format at each

visitWhat would be most effective at a particular

school based on its culture and the student body?

Use of materials or technologyPrint: viewbooks, postersElectronic: slideshows, videos

Question and Answer sessions

College CounselorsSit in on the visit and presentationLearn new information and proceduresProcesses change every year

Assist with questionsYou know your students bestStudents don’t always know what to ask

Admissions RepresentativesUtilize the experiences of current

studentsBring current students who are alums of

the high school, when possibleIf they can’t actually travel with you, how do

you use their input and experiences?Provide contact information or offer to

make connections

College CounselorsEncourage interested students to attend

Have already appliedBased on specific majors or interestsHave already visited campus or plan to do so

Provide information about interested students who cannot attendNameE-mailProgram of study

We’re all on thesame team…

How do we best help students?