College Zone - Printable Version - Student Zone - 9th-12th Grade

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Once you’ve decided what type of college you’d like to attend, use our College Criteria List, as well as IllinoisMentor's Comparative View, web sites and admissions brochures to help you determine which colleges you might like to attend. A campus visit may also help you decide if a college is right for you. If you can't visit a college you are considering, many schools now have virtual tours available online. Or, contact the Admissions Office to see if they have a video available for prospective students.

If you are able to make a campus visit, be sure to maximize your time there. Call the Admissions Office at least two weeks ahead of time to schedule an appointment. By working with the Admissions Office, you may be able to sit in on a class, meet with a professor, and take a guided tour of campus. If possible, plan your visit for a day when classes are in session. If you visit campus when everyone is away for spring break, you won't get a true picture of the academic and social atmosphere. If you are visiting more than one college, taking notes and pictures may help you remember what you liked and didn't like about each campus.

During your visit, pick up copies of college and local newspapers, if they are available. This will offer you even more information about the school and surrounding community. Don't confine yourself to just the campus. Explore the neighborhood. Things like public transportation, a nearby grocery store, and safety may not seem important when you're worrying about grades, tests, and majors, but once you're away at school a six mile walk to buy batteries or laundry detergent may become a nuisance.