<p>An admissions representative from a college my son is very interested in attending will be visiting his high school this week. The kids can drop by the Career Center to meet with the rep during the day.</p>
<p>This will be the first time my son has done something like this. What is the best way to make the most of the opportunity? Should he just come with his questions about the school that would help him determine if it is the best fit? Do college reps usually ask the kids questions to help the school determine if the student is a good fit? How do such meetings compare to interviews? If anyone has insight in to what he can expect, it would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>I've never actually been to one of these, none of the prestigious schools ever visit my high school, but I hear they just give a boring presentation and hand out brochures. It's pretty impersonal, nothing like an interview. I'd imagine you can go up after the presentation to ask questions if you have any, but I don't think it's necessary to prepare for it like you would for an interview. maybe it depends on what school. Anyhow, it's good to go if you're interested in the school, becuase they will record it and it will "demonstrate interest"</p>
<p>It depends on the type of school -- really. I do info sessions for my alma mater, one of the HYP. As you know, there's no dearth of applications. I present my info, answer questions and let it lie. I'm helpful as I can be to all. Any demonstrated interest by individual students won't affect how i inform them.</p>
<p>However, if I were the rep for a smaller LAC for instance, my mission would be to drum up interesting candidates. In those circumstances, they're searching for kids who might be interested. If your S shows interest and is otherwise a viable admit, you can be sure that he'll get some personal calls in the future.</p>
<p>When the reps from large state schools come to my school, half of our senior class comes and you learn nothing that couldn't be discovered on the website. However, when smaller schools come it is so worth going to because its much more intimate and its usually just you and a couple other students so the rep learns your name and who you are.</p>
<p>Your son may be in position to talk one-on-one with the college rep, and therefore it would be best to be prepared. If he has an academic resume with some of his ECs listed along with his contact info, then he should bring that with him. He should also think about questions he has for the school. Like a job interview, he is a 'commodity"--just as the school is a "commodity". Encourage him to look at it that way, to be himself, and have fun with the process. He will get more out of the time spent-learn more about the school and what he will feel is important. One of the questions my daughter always asked---what one item would you change at the school if you had the chance? It gave her insight into the school that no website could give her. G'Luck!</p>
<p>Thank you all for your input. He will be ready in case he gets the chance to ask questions and talk about himself, but he won't count on that being the case!</p>