Despite the many resources available to high school juniors and seniors who are deciding where to apply to college, some students struggle when determining whether or not to apply to schools that are on the cusp of their short lists.
For students who find themselves in this position, the “Shadow a Student” day that many colleges offer can be a useful tool. The opportunity to experience life as a student on campus, whether for a day or for an entire weekend, can help prospective applicants decide whether a college or university is right for them.
Use lifestyle and career goals to [narrow your college application list.]
There are a few things prospective students should know about taking advantage of these opportunities.
1. How to schedule a shadow-a-student day: Generally, the best way to schedule a shadowing opportunity is to contact your prospective college’s undergraduate admissions office. Most schools require — or certainly appreciate — several weeks’ notice, so be sure to know in advance when you would like to visit campus.
In addition, some colleges and universities have designated days or weekends for shadowing experiences. Before contacting the undergraduate admissions office to schedule a date, look online to see if the school has designated days, or if you can arrange a visit whenever you choose.
2. What to expect from your experience: Every college will structure its experience differently. Some schools may have multiple activities planned, while others may simply pair you with a current undergraduate.
However, there are certain things that you can likely expect from your shadowing experience. You will be assigned to an undergraduate host. You will attend at least one class and you will certainly visit a dorm to see what day-to-day undergraduate life is like.
See [how past and current students chose and got into college.]
You will likely eat in a dining hall. You may also be able to visit specific department offices or to speak with designated administrators who can answer any questions that your host cannot.
Also, don’t be fooled by the singular program title of ” Shadow a Student .” You will get the opportunity to see multiple students in their element at this college. You will more than likely get to see groups of students socializing at their dorms, how they interact in class, and where they spend time around campus.
While you can see this as a visitor on a regular tour, being accompanied directly by your host student gets you a closer-up perspective that is invaluable.
3. How to maximize your visit: Having the right mindset is one of the best ways to maximize your shadowing experience. Treat it as part of your college search, rather than a fun day or weekend away from school and home.
Before you arrive, compile a list of questions that address any lingering concerns you may have about the school — those items that are preventing you from sending in an application. If possible, request a visit with the academic department that interests you most and ask for a host who shares at least one of your academic or extracurricular interests.
In an ideal world, your shadowing experience should closely mimic your potential undergraduate experience at the college or university.
Here are [36 questions to ask on a college visit.]
4. What you will pay: As informative and rewarding as shadowing experiences can be, it is important to recognize that you may not be able to complete one at every school on your short list. Outside of the cost of food, depending on how your visit is structured, and how long your visit is, the experience itself will cost little to nothing. But transportation will not be covered by the college.
If you are only considering schools within a 20 mile radius of your home, then this may not be a problem. In the more likely scenario that your prospective colleges and universities occupy a wide variety of locations, it may be best to limit your participation to one or two choices, since those transportation fees will quickly mount.
Keep in mind that shadowing experiences are especially useful for those schools that you are truly on the fence about. If you do not know whether you will apply, schedule a visit instead.
When used properly, shadow-a-student opportunities can be very valuable. Even one full day on a campus can provide you with crucial insight into whether you would enjoy your experience at a particular institution.
For students who are truly struggling with application decisions, a wisely chosen shadowing experience can lead to more clarity regarding where you may want to spend the next four years of your life.
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4 Things to Know About College Student Shadowing Days originally appeared on usnews.com
