/Tips_for_Attending_College_Night

Tips for Attending College Night 2011 Hosted by Valencia College Tuesday, October 4, Osceola Campus ~ Thursday, October 6, East Campus

College Night can be confusing. With more than 120 colleges and universities represented, hallways can become crowded and the experience can become overwhelming. Planning ahead will allow you to go directly to the information you need the most.

Before College Night Narrow your focus to those schools you think may be right for you. Think about schools you have heard of and that might be right for you. Consult with your parents, your high school career specialist, and others for ideas and suggestions. Look for the types of schools that offer preparation for the careers you have in mind. Make a list.

Pre-register for College Night at http://valenciacollege.edu/rsvp. You may choose to have Valencia provide your name and address ahead of time to the colleges that interest you to allow you to focus more on asking your questions than on filling out information forms. A list of colleges represented last year at College Night will help you determine whether there are other schools that you might want to add to your list. Some of the colleges expected are listed on the back of this page.

Research each college on your list ahead of time, then visit the Admissions representative at College Night and ask them any remaining questions you have.

At College Night 

College Night begins at 6:00 pm and ends at 8:00 pm.

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Pick up your bag and a College Night program at the check-in table.

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Plan to eat dinner or a snack ahead of time so you won’t feel hungry and can spend your time talking to colleges.

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Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking. (Please note that Valencia’s campuses are fully accessible to wheel chairs.)

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Visit the college representatives of your choice. Remember to bring your list of unanswered questions.

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Turn in your Evaluation of College Night as you leave so Valencia can continue to make improvements in their services to you.

Typical questions that help you choose a college: 1. Is it a trade school, community college, a 4-year college or a university? What kinds of degrees or certificates do they offer?

2. Will the courses transfer to another college if you change your mind?

3. Do they offer the programs of study that interest you?

4. What grade point average or SAT/ACT scores do you need to be accepted? Do you meet the minimums? Do your grades and test scores fall into the range where students are typically accepted?

5. Will you need to write an essay for admission?

6. How far away from home is it? Where will you live? How will you get there and how often will you be able to come home?

7. Is it in a city, suburban or rural, country setting?

8. If you plan to participate in sports or other extra-curricular activities, do they offer the ones that interest you?

9. Are classes mostly on-line, in large lecture halls or in small classrooms?

10. Are most classes taught by graduate Teaching Assistants or by the actual professors?

11. Do you often need tutoring or other support? If so, do they offer it?

12. Do you need any special services such as note-takers, physical accommodation, interpreters, TDD? How easy will it be to get the help you need?

13. Will you need financial aid to afford it? If so, how much financial aid do they typically offer?

14. What are the admission and financial aid deadlines?