(Really) Plan Your Campus Visit

One of the best ways to determine if a college is right for you is to visit the campus and see how it feels. Reputation is important in choosing your school, but it is also important that the environment suits you. Only you can decide if a particular college is the best fit for you. When visiting campus, there's a lot of information to gather. Planning ahead will make campus visits flow smoothly and allow you to get all the information you need.

It's important to do this right the first time, because it might be your only visit before you have to decide where you will go to college. Imagine the difference between a campus visit where you are expected, and one where you drop in late on Friday afternoon and announce:

"Hi! We just flew in from (pick anyplace) and wondered if we could get a tour?"

Too often, this is what students and parents do. Most schools have scheduled tour times. It's silly to think that there is someone paid to sit around and wait for people to request random tours. At best, you'll drag someone away from their schedule and they will do the best they can to talk to you and show you something. You won't see the good stuff you might have seen if you had planned ahead. You owe it to yourself to do it right.

When to Visit
The best time to visit is when the campus is active. You'll want to talk with other students, meet with advisers, and perhaps attend a class or two. This gives you insight into the learning environment. If you are a freshman, try to see a typical freshman class in your intended major. You should also visit the housing office if you plan to live on campus. If you plan to live off campus, then you should use this time to explore housing options in the community.

Don't plan to visit:

• During college spring break.
  
• During winter break (Christmas through New Year's Day).
  
• The day before or after Thanksgiving
  
• Final or mid-term exam weeks
  
• Reading days
  
• During the first week of the semester
  

Monday through Thursday is the best time to find a campus in full swing. Some colleges offer visits on Fridays and Saturdays. Do some research ahead of time so you know what you want to see and who you want to meet with. Make appointments!

Get the Most from the Experience

Do:

• Call ahead and schedule an appointment with the visitors' office or your planned program of study. This will ensure that you are expected and that the people you need to see have set aside time for you. Most offices will do their best to accommodate drop-ins, but it's in your best interest to plan ahead. Many offices will assist you in developing an itinerary for your visit.
  
• Ask if there are regularly scheduled sessions for visitors; these often provide tours of facilities and opportunities to meet with current students.
  
• Visit colleges under serious consideration before the acceptance letters are sent out so you have enough time to fully evaluate each campus. Visiting during your junior year of high school can help you determine where you really want to apply.
  
• Have a list of questions that you want answered and make notes of other items that come up during meetings. This gives you a good data set for comparisons once you get home.
  Need some help? Here's a list to get you started.
  

Don't

• Drop in late on Fridays or just before holidays when staff is likely to be at a minimum.


• Let your parents do all the talking. You are the one that will be enrolled.


• Make assumptions based on what your currently enrolled friends have told you. They are often new to the system and might not be experts on your intended major.
  


• Assume that the answers will be the same at all institutions. Ask questions.


• Be afraid to ask why you should attend this college rather than your other choices. You will often learn some very useful facts.
  

Final Assessment

Does this seem like a place where you would be comfortable and happy for the next four years? Does the campus seem welcoming or overwhelming? Is the setting a good fit for your preferences and personality? Does it offer extracurricular opportunities that are important to you? Is it financially feasible?

Your academic success and your personal well-being will depend on your answers to these questions. A campus visit is the best way to gather the information you need to succeed.

Oh, and did I mention that you should make an appointment?

Virtual Classes: What Every Parent and Student Should Know

Education is actively participating in the explosion of web-based technology. Classes once taught in a traditional classroom are now available online at both high school and college levels. The new technology provides a variety of new options and issues, along with benefits and concerns. Web based classes can be a big boon to students, but student and parents must fully understand what is needed for the student to succeed.

ADVANTAGES

• Flexibility and freedom. No physical attendance is required. Can schedule around jobs or other activities.


• Can catch up more easily than traditional classes.


• Can keep up with class work even when circumstances take the student away from campus.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS

• Self motivation. Students must be able to complete work on their own.


• Good organizational skills. Able to understand all course requirements and schedule course work. Must thoroughly understand all requirements.


• Good reading ability. Most online courses require reading online and creating assignments from the readings.


• Good time management skills. Leaving virtual classes until last is tempting when other classes demand immediate attention.

HAZARDS TO WATCH FOR

• "Out of sight, out of mind." Virtual classes can be easy to "forget".


• Students who don't like reading may fare poorly.


• Lack of student/teacher interaction can reduce student motivation to achieve.


• Students who are not self-motivated or not well organized tend to struggle to complete work on time.

Web based courses do offer many advantages by allowing students to meet academic requirements in a nontraditional and flexible setting. However, not every student is well-prepared for the demands of these courses. Students who have been schooled only in traditional classroom settings will find that they are much more in charge of their academic progress in a virtual class and may not always understand how to succeed. In these classes, management of time is totally the student's responsibility. They must include all online coursework in their time management plans for the semester. There are few prep classes (if any) that teach students how to succeed in this new environment. This information comes mostly from the online class itself, and may be a little mysterious to a newcomer. Being aware of requirements allows students to take advantage of freedoms allowed by technology, but it is very important that they have some guidelines for success.

STRATEGIES FOR ONLINE SUCCESS

• Create a notebook for the online class, just like a traditional class.


• Print the syllabus.


• Put all quiz, test, and assignment dates on the same calendar as other classes.


• Keep a printed copy in the notebook of all assignments. When submitting a quiz or test, print whatever page shows that the work was submitted. (This can be of great value in the case of technological issues.)


• Make contact with the instructor, even if it is not a requirement of the class. Send an email stating that assignments have been submitted, and request a reply in the event that they were not received. (Even if you do not get a reply, this provides some amount of documentation that the assignment was submitted.)


• Request a progress report from the instructor. These are often included as part of the online course. It is important to know where you stand at all times, just like any other class.

Take advantage of all the options. High school students can accelerate their graduation date or earn grade forgiveness through programs like the Florida Virtual School. This is a wonderful opportunity for many students. Online college courses allow students to be enrolled while they are away for internships or other reasons. While the courses are online, the amount of work and motivation required does not diminish. In fact, self-motivation becomes the main ingredient in success.

Notes on the GED (General Equivalency Diploma)

I'm an academic snob. I have realized this at several points in my career. When I first moved to Florida with only a year and a half of college credits, I was not eligible for admission to what were then only junior and senior level universities. Coming from New England where there are Ivy League schools in abundance, I could not bring myself to enroll in a community college to complete the hours needed to enroll in an upper level university. Finally, that's what I did. I completed the necessary courses at Broward Community College, then transferred to Florida Atlantic University, where all my credits counted. I completed my Bachelor's degree at Florida Atlantic University, graduating 3rd in my class shortly after FAU admitted its first freshman class. I enrolled in graduate school at the University of Florida, where fate had it that I got a graduate assistant position working for the Dean of Community College Relations. Karma? You bet. I learned a lot about Florida's community college system, did my graduate research on it, and went on to direct community college relations for many years.

Since then, I have done a lot to promote community colleges as an excellent place to start a four year degree program. Classes are smaller, students have more flexibility to explore options for majors, and community college transfer students succeed with a rate equal to students who begin at four-year schools as freshmen.

Now I have learned something else about academic snobbery. I define academic snobbery as that overwhelming sense of only one way to reach an academic goal. Life has taught me differently. Recently, I have worked with several very bright students who seemed so burned out on high school that there was no chance that they would graduate. Some had pursued Dual Enrollment, where they learned that skipping classes was easy. Some just lost their motivation entirely. Many phone calls from many freaked-out parents led me to believe that some of our brightest students were about to become statistics. What is a parent to do in this situation? Pray, nag, and lecture. None of these things is likely to produce a remarkable change in your frustrated student. Still, I did not see any options until I went to dinner with a friend who has a very highly regarded position at my university. She opened my eyes to something I never would have considered.

My friend makes a handsome salary and holds a prestigious position. She was very willing to share with me that she bailed on high school and completed the GED. That was many years ago. It was enough to allow her to enroll in college, to finish her business degree (at a highly ranked university) and pursue a career that has been stellar.

Today's GED is different from the GED of the past. It is a real high school graduation diploma. It allows students to pursue all possible options (except for some branches of the military).

In my case, it allowed my student, who is considered "gifted" but was failing everything, a way to reduce stress and refocus. By withdrawing from the day to day classes, and focusing on passing the test, he was able to undo a whole year of misery and defeat. He can enroll in his college program as planned; this would not be possible if the GED had not been an option.

Today's GED is not what it used to be. It is a real high school diploma, issued by the state of Florida, virtually indistinguishable from a traditional HS diploma. While I totally promote the traditional track for any student who can do it, it's important to know that there are options for students who don't fit well into that traditional track.It's even more important to understand that taking the nontraditional path does not close doors to the future.

Did I mention my friend who wrote his first marketable software program at the age of 12 and then "dropped out"? He earned his GED, went on to higher level education, and now makes over $250,000 a year. The GED won't guarantee your student this level of income, but it's something to consider when your kid just can't seem to deal with the high school issues any longer.

High school is filled with stress and drama. Some issues are academic, some are social, some are developmental. Kids tend to react to stress in many different ways. When a student seems determined to sabotage every parental rescue effort, it might be time to consider relieving the stress. Helping your child to find an alternative route to success might be the greatest gift you can offer. If this happens soon enough, it's possible for GED candidate to graduate ahead of their class. Even if it's a last minute option, the GED prep classes are easily completed and the high school diploma can be attained in sufficient time to start post-secondary course work.

The GED is not the option most parents want (or need) to consider. But it's a reasonable option when traditional pathways are not working.
Want to talk more about it? Email me.

Questions to Ask on a Campus Visit

Need some help generating questions for a campus visit? Here are some ideas to get you started.

• Rankings
  
• Internship opportunities
  
• Research opportunities
  
• Campus life
  
• Student organizations
  
• Study abroad programs
  
• Honors program
  
• What makes this college stand out?
  
• Advising
  
• Tutoring and help sessions
  
• Transition programs for freshmen
  
• Orientation program
  
• Work-study options
  
• Research opportunities
  

Make the Most of Campus Visits

One of the best ways to determine if a college is right for you is to visit the campus and see how it feels. While a college's reputation is important in making your decision, it is also very important that the environment suits you. Only you can decide if a particular college is the best fit for you. When visiting campus, there are many pieces of information to gather. Planning ahead will make campus visits flow smoothly and allow you to get all the information you want.

When to Visit
The best time to do this is when the campus is active. You'll want to talk with other students, meet with advisers, and perhaps attend a class or two. You should also visit the housing office if you plan to live on campus. If you plan to live off campus, then you should use this time to explore options.

Don't plan to visit:

• During college spring break
  
• During winter break (Christmas through New Year's Day)
  
• The day before or after Thanksgiving
• Final or mid-term exam weeks
  
• Reading days
• During the first week of the semester

Monday through Thursday is the best time to find a campus in full swing. Some colleges offer structured programs on Fridays and Saturdays. Do some research ahead of time so you know what you want to see and who you want to meet with. Make appointments!

Get the Most from the Experience

Do:

• Call ahead and schedule an appointment with the visitors' office or your planned program of study. This will ensure that you are expected and that the people you need to see have set aside time for you. Most offices will do their best to accommodate drop-ins, but it's in your best interest to plan ahead. Many offices will assist you in developing an itinerary for your visit.


• Ask if there are regularly scheduled sessions for visitors; these often provide tours of facilities and opportunities to meet with current students.


• Visit colleges under serious consideration before the acceptance letters are sent out so you have enough time to fully evaluate each campus. Visiting during your junior year of high school can help you determine where you really want to apply.


• Have a list of questions that you want answered and make notes of other items that come up during meetings. This give you a good data set for comparisons once you get home. Need some help? Here's a list to get you started.

Don't

• Drop in late on Fridays or just before holidays when staff is likely to be at a minimum.


• Let your parents do all the talking. You are the one that will be enrolled.


• Make assumptions based on what your currently enrolled friends have told you. They are often new to the system and might not be experts on your intended major.
  


• Assume that the answers will be the same at all institutions. Ask questions.


• Be afraid to ask why you should attend this college rather than your other choices. You will often learn some very useful facts.
  

Final Assessment

Does this seem like a place where you would be comfortable and happy for the next four years? Does the campus seem welcoming or overwhelming? Is the setting a good fit for your preferences and personality? Does it offer extracurricular opportunities that are important to you? Is it financially feasible?

Your academic success and your personal well-being will depend on your answers to these questions. A campus visit is the best way to gather the information you need to succeed.

Advanced Placement Credit

This is the typical scenario:

A proud parent and her highly motivated student arrive on campus to discuss why this university should consider this student. "I've completed all my General Education requirements through AP classes," beams the student. As an academic advisor, I stifle a groan.

A large number of students enter universities today with Advanced Placement (AP) credit. It's a good thing. It provides college credit toward degrees at no cost, and it allows students to be challenged in courses more rigorous than typical high school courses. AP credit can also free students from summer enrollment requirements. Students enrolling in Florida state universities will not be required to complete summer hours if they enroll with at least 9 hours of Advanced Placement credit.

Parents and students often feel that AP credit should substitute for college credit, and in some cases, this is OK. Sometimes, though, it's important to understand that university or college level courses might be more demanding than AP courses considered to be "equivalent".

If your student is completing AP credits, here are some things to think about:

• What is your expectation for preparation for college level courses?
• How much AP credit do you expect to apply to a Bachelor's degree?
• Will high school AP credit provide the necessary foundation for future courses?

AP courses are more rigorous than other high school classes. Students must pass a standardized test in order to receive college credit. Passing that test does not necessarily mean that a student has mastered all the concepts taught in the "equivalent" course at the college level. Depending on the program of study your student intends to follow, it can often be best to consider AP courses as foundation courses, preparing students to excel in the equivalent university level course.

Exceptionally talented students are often subjected to pressure to "be ahead." Usually, they live up to the demand. But it can be in a good student's best interest to start math and science sequences at the college level. Frequently, concepts covered in the first college level class are beyond what was covered in AP classes. Professional schools of medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine will expect to see foundation course work done at the university level.

The first freshman term is a transitional term. Your student will be living away from home for the first time, she'll have a new roommate, she'll be faced with new decisions. Do you really want her to go into Calculus 2 based on just her high school work? An "A" in Calculus 1 could go a long way to reducing stress during the transitional semester, making sure your student has the proper foundation knowledge, and achieving a strong grade point average.

Talk to the advisors in your student's program. They are best suited to help you determine placement. Do not assume that credit for an AP class is necessarily equivalent to mastery of skills at the college level. Give careful consideration to the consequences of completing all "General Education" requirement through AP credits. You might be eliminating opportunities to explore possibilities at the college level.

You only get to be an undergraduate once. Opportunities for internships, study abroad, and research abound. AP credit can provide many advantages for students, provided that they fully understand the courses how Advanced Placement work fits into the college program of study.

Dual Enrollment Credit:

Can Dual Enrollment Prevent Your Child from Being Admitted to a Florida University?

Dual enrollment programs allow advanced high school students to complete their first two years of college while still enrolled in high school. Typically, high school students who complete the credits for an Associate in Arts degree at Florida public community colleges should be commended for their hard work and motivation. Dual enrollment is a huge financial bonus to parents who can receive up to two years of college free. In addition, students who are motivated by good grades and achievement get a big boost in self-esteem and confidence, knowing that they have what it takes to complete college level work sooner than the majority of their peers. Their parents are proud of them, too.

How can a program that offers such obvious advantages work against these bright, hard working students? It happens all too often. Just yesterday I met with another anxious parent and his academically talented son. The student had good test scores, and had completed his A.A. degree at a Florida public community college. No doubt he pressed the "submit" button on his electronic application confident that he would be receiving an acceptance letter soon. What he received instead was an unpleasant surprise informing him that he was not admitted to the university of his choice. Although he was later re-evaluated as a freshman, he did not quite make that cut. Instead of celebrating, this family is now on the road visiting university administrators trying to understand what went wrong. And trying late in the game to find a university for their son to attend in the fall.

This is hardly an isolated incident. What this parent and student did not know is that students who receive the A.A. degree (in Florida) can be considered by state university admissions offices as transfer students. Transfer students are admitted under a different set of rules, governed in part by the Articulation Agreement regulated by Florida Statute. These students are considered to be juniors rather than freshmen. (Well, that was part of the attraction of the Dual Enrollment program wasn't it? "When Susie enrolls at XYZ University, she'll be a junior and way ahead of the freshman class.")

As juniors, transfer students are usually required to have completed specific prerequisite course work in their first two years of college. When a high school student completes his A.A. degree, he must also have all those prerequisite courses complete, often with specific grades, in order to gain admission. A lot of surprised and disappointed students ask, "Can't I just take the courses here?" The answer is, "No."

Universities are expected to award bachelor's degrees within a reasonable number of credit hours. A student with 60 hours of college credit that does not apply to his intended degree program can find the door permanently closed. Applying for a different major and then trying to switch once enrolling at the university is not an option. Either the courses are complete within the first 60 hours, or they are not.

Parents with students in Dual Enrollment programs must understand that by completing an A.A. degree in high school, students may be deprived of the opportunity to "explore" majors at the university level. They will have completed all of their General Education requirements (the courses often used to dabble in potentially interesting academic subjects) and they will be expected to begin junior level course work specific to their declared major. If they apply to a highly structured program, such as architecture, business, engineering, math, or science (think pre-med), the necessary sequencing of courses might keep them from a full-time course load in their major. They will then have to enroll in additional "excess" hours required to be full-time students so that they can maintain scholarships, or health insurance, or other important things like football tickets and access to other university resources. To complicate matters further, professional schools don't weight these courses as highly as "equivalent" courses taken at the university level. These excess hours cost money and also dampen that dream of completing a Bachelor's degree in two years.

Please don't think that I don't support Dual Enrollment programs. I do support them. They have many advantages to both student and parent. But the truth is that completing the A.A. degree works best for a very specific group of students: those who know without a doubt what they will major in.

It's a lot to ask a 16 year old Dual Enrollment student what he or she wants to study in college. It's like taking them to a restaurant and asking them what they want to eat before showing them the menu. There are some people, though, who seem to be born knowing what they want to do for the rest of their lives. These are the students I believe are best suited to Dual Enrollment. These are the students who will do the research on majors, complete what they must complete, and sail through their university programs to their intended degree without ever wondering if another major might have been better for them. If this describes your child, get in touch with the university of choice, find out what is needed to "transfer", and read the college catalog carefully. Keep a careful log of contacts and what was discussed. You can stop reading this article now.

If you are not absolutely certain that your student is in this category, but you are determined to complete the A.A. degree, then you and your student must start researching programs of study immediately. Talk to each university under consideration. Talk to advisors in every college that houses a program your child might want. Fully understand what must be completed within Dual Enrollment to ensure admission to the university and college of choice. If your student is not absolutely certain about his academic goals, then it could be in his best interest not to complete the A.A. degree.

It should be noted that some universities will evaluate these students as freshmen, as well as transfer students. Still, they have to make that "freshman cut" and there are no guarantees.

This article will not make me popular with my friends in the community colleges, although I am a truly big proponent of Florida's community colleges. I have spent the past 18 years promoting them, and I have a degree from one of them. They are wonderful institutions, and Florida has a community college to university system that sets a standard for the rest of the country.

With that said, it is still every parent's and student's responsibility to fully understand the complete path of their college program. Starting to look into colleges in the early part of senior year is too late for Dual Enrollment students (and everyone else, really). Dual Enrollment students are starting college now. It is up to you to do the research, to contact universities, and make certain that the first year of Dual Enrollment - the year that will be the actual freshman year - is planned in accordance with the requirements for your program.

You won't be disappointed if you do the homework now.