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Welcome back to the Send Your Kids to College blog! Remember there is still time to apply for the 2022 Young Achiever's Scholarship for students in Erie, Niagara, and Genesee County! We are back for part 2 of 3 on our College Visit 101 blog course! If you missed our last post, we talked about what you should look for in your prospective college's CAMPUS! Today, we will be focusing on what questions you should ask the faculty or professor on your campus visit!
While knowing you love the campus is obviously vital, knowing the curriculum and courses you will be taking is equally important, if not more important! It is, of course, the study you choose that will impact the $ you make upon graduating, and how much $ you make impacts how long you will be paying your student loans back. So let's go over a few important things to consider...
College Professors Aren't Scary
No matter what area of study you choose, it's important to remember that you should get the most out of your choice. Part of that is knowing that the professors teaching your courses will be people that you respect, admire, and will work well with. Oftentimes despite having a close relationship with HS teachers or counselors, students take a few years to become comfortable speaking with professors.
The earlier you realize these people are here to help, the better! Starting out strong on your first visit by opening up the lines of communication and asking good questions is a great start to a productive education!
If you're going on a college visit, try to ensure you can get some time to speak with a member of your program's faculty, so you can get an idea of what's in store, and how they operate. Comparing your different college choices should revolve around the program, not only the fun stuff.
Here are a few good questions to ask a professor while on your campus visit!
What is your favorite part about teaching at this college?
What are some common career goals of students in this major?
What are my career options if I choose this major?
What are the average class sizes?
Do I need a graduate degree to get a career in this field?
What does this college offer that other colleges don't?
What is a typical day in your class?
What's your favorite class to teach? Why?
What do you do to make yourself a better professor?
What do you like to do outside of Work/Research?
Don't Be Shy!
Oftentimes a college visit can be intimidating and overwhelming, but not if you are well prepared! Knowing these questions ahead of time and understanding what's most important to you and your family's future can be extremely valuable in avoiding choosing the wrong school or program.
Remember that this choice isn't going to cost the professor, or the campus a dime. It is you that will have to cover the cost of attending, your books, your food, your housing, etc. It may not feel like it now, but once your time is up, and you get that diploma, it will be a lot easier to pay back knowing you made the right decision!
Stay tuned to the blog for insight and tips on planning for college. We are a local WNY non-profit that helps students and families navigate the treacherous college planning process. If you or your child has a question for our certified college planning experts, just give us a call or fill out our contact form to learn more! Thanks for reading and be sure to "Like" our page on Facebook!