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teens
ages 14-18
College Campus Visits: What to Know Before You Go by lisa katz
Deciding where to go to college can be a daunting task and many factors play into the decision. A student may feel strongly about going to a school on a specific coast or that a school has to have a strong sports program. Others may feel the size of the school is the deciding factor. In any of these instances, visiting the actual college or university of interest plays a key role in the decision. College visits most often take place during a student’s junior year of high school, during the summer between junior and senior year or in the beginning of the student’s senior year. Ideally, students and parents should come to the visits armed with lots of questions. Do your homework! Research majors, sports and activities the school offers so you can learn more about them while you're there. Ask questions about dorms, cars, safety, food, parking, infirmary, game tickets and anything else you can think of. Many colleges prefer students to come during the fall or spring semesters, as opposed to the summer, so they have a more accurate feel of the school while in session.
›› Prospective Student Visits at UF and FSU University of Florida The information session at UF is typically about 30 minutes followed by a 90-minute walking tour of the campus. Tours are available Monday – Friday, except when the school is closed or on a holiday. Tours are
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“A campus tour is a great way to get a true feel for what a school has to offer. Student ambassadors (called “Cicerones” at UF) lead potential students around the campus. They make seven stops and discuss topics like the application process, meal plans, housing options and class sizes. These ambassadors talk with students and parents about their personal real-life experiences here at UF.” - Giulia Farrior, University of Florida Welcome Center UF also offers a unique program called “Gator For a Day” that is only granted to high school seniors during their fall or spring semester. The student must fill out a registration form and have a 3.7 unweighted GPA or higher. This program allows the prospective student to shadow a current UF student. He will be able to attend an actual class, walk around and find out what is happening on campus firsthand. For more information, visit UF’s website: Ufl.edu.
gigglemag.com | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
Florida State University Campus tours at Florida State University are offered Monday – Friday, except when the school is closed, during final exams or on a holiday. The FSU information session is 45 minutes long with a 90-minute walking tour. A tour can be scheduled either by calling the University Center or by using their website. “Tours are student-led by chosen FSU ambassadors and highlight the inside of the campus. The ambassadors walk the students through a residence hall, dining hall, several academic departments and talk about many extracurricular activities offered. The tour basically showcases the different FSU programs available to incoming students. I usually recommend students visit in the fall in order to see what a student’s normal environment is like.” - Kelly Scandone, FSU University Center For more information, visit FSU’s website: Fsu.edu.
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Here in Florida, there are two major public universities that many students consider attending. The University of Florida and Florida State University are the largest universities in the state, with enrollment rates of 50,000 students and 40,000 students, respectively, and both offer an exceptional education. It would benefit a prospective student to visit each campus if anticipating applying to the schools.
also unavailable when there are final exams or special campus events. Students can sign up for a tour either over the phone with the UF Welcome Center or on the school’s website.