I began my official campus visits for independent college counseling this week. This is definitely not my first campus visits ever, just in this new capacity. Professional memberships for ethical independent college counselors require visits. Visits are also necessary to truly get the flavor of a school and to keep up on college admissions trends, offerings, etc.
I intentionally chose my #1 visit to be the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
An institution where I’ve sat on the Advisory Team.
A school whose representatives and leaders I’ve visited with countless times during high school visits, college fairs, and professional conferences.
A school I’ve helped hundreds of students explore, apply to, work with, and matriculate to over the last decade.
A place where I’ve visited friends in years past, even staying overnight in the freshmen dorms.
Yet, a school I had never formally toured before this week.
My parents and both sets of grandparents met on this campus. My grandfather was a long-time professor, featured in the walk of scholars. Despite my family’s long history with this school, I knew it was not the right fit for me coming out of high school. I am grateful for parents who were open to and understanding of this choice. I am also grateful that it was a good fit for me as a graduate student and I was able to be a part of this family tradition.
Students choose schools for many different reasons. It’s important that students search for schools from a place of self-awareness and purpose. A school that fits student’s specific interests, needs, and preferences goes a long way towards ensuring a successful transition into and likely (timely) completion of post-secondary education. Students that identify these personal preferences first, and who take advantage of campus visit experiences, are set up to make a wise choice for the first step in their post-secondary journey.
