Dos

Dress professionally for a college interview or visit.  It is not necessary to wear a shirt and tie or dress; however, you should look nice and neat.  REMEMBER:  Your style of dress is a direct reflection of your attitude toward what you are doing.

Prepare to share a few important details about yourself.  You should be able to list your hobbies and goals, academic strengths and weaknesses, and admissions qualifications (i.e. grade point average, SAT/ACT scores).

Create list of questions for the admissions representative based on your research.

Arrive for your appointment on time.  Most admissions appointments are scheduled on an hourly-basis throughout the day and can include a campus tour.  When one appointment begins late, all those to follow will be behind schedule.  If possible, call to indicate you will not be arriving on time, and ask if alternate arrangements can be made.

Indicate when scheduling your appointment if you wish to speak with a faculty member or coach.  University staff serve a variety of roles on campus, including everything from teaching to attending meetings.  Without prior arrangements, staff may not be available to meet with you during your visit.

Don'ts

Arrive for the appointment with preconceived ideas about the university.  Be open-minded!

Ask questions with obvious answers, such as "How many students attend this university?" or "Does this university offer a major in cytotechnology?"  Your previous research will provide answers to the most commonly asked questions.  All good admissions publications are designed to meet this goal.

Ask questions that reveal you have not done your college research.

Expect the admissions representative to know answers to your questions regarding all aspects of the university.  Coaches, financial aid policies, and learning support strategies all change frequently.  Most universities feature individual offices to handle specific issues such as athletics, financial aid, and services for individuals with learning disabilities.  It is appropriate, however, to ask for the contact information for those offices that interest you.

Leave campus without the business card of the individual with whom you met.  It is quite possible that once you return home questions and/or concerns will arise.  Use this resource wisely and as often as necessary.