<p>I was planning to call up all the schools that I might apply to in a few days. Any there particular questions or guidelines that I should definitely ask that display interest?</p>
<p>Why are you calling them? That is not an interview… an interview is scheduled, and usually takes place in person (or over Skype in a few cases). I don’t think they appreciate calls just to call… if you think that is showing interest, they won’t see it that way if the answers are easily found on the website.</p>
<p>If the colleges even care if you display interest (you can tell from looking at the Common Data Set for each college), a few ways to do that:
- sign up on their websites to get mailings and updates from the college.
- visit if you can
- go to college fairs they are at in your area, stop by the table for the college to chat, and sign up on the sheets/forms they have there
- If they have an open house in your area or send a rep to your high school, go to that. That is a good chance to ask questions.
- Request an interview (maybe THAT is the question you should be asking, although their website will probably also tell you how to do this)</p>
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<p>By “mailings and updates”, what are you specifically referring to? I have been looking at each college’s newsletters, and none seem to be geared towards admissions; seemed more like general fan mail to me…</p>
<p>Believe me, I would absolutely visit a college campus if I could, but going to every out-of-state school just doesn’t seem practical, does it?</p>
<p>Believe me, as for college fairs and high school visits, I have already explored that option. Unfortunately, most of the schools won’t be visiting my state anytime in the near future.</p>
<p>There’s a link called “request information” or “join our mailing list”. Fill it out.
If it creates a VIP page, check the page from time to time.</p>
<p>I am confused about why you are calling them. Are you trying to “show interest”? At some colleges, the level of interest you show does influence the admissions process a bit. As mentioned above, you can see whether that is the case in the Common Data Set for a college (usually can find by Googling “<college name=”"> Common Data Set".</college></p>
<p>If you want an interview and they do off campus or Skype interviews (you can tell from the admissions website usually), then sign up for one onine or call them about it.</p>
<p>If you have specific questions, you can call admissions and ask them. But you came out here fishing for questions… and that doesn’t make sense.</p>
<p>Yes, a lot of people do visit out of state colleges. If they can’t, they peruse the websites, look at virtual tours on the website, read the specific college forum out here, and look at sources like Fiske’s Guide to Colleges for more information. After that if you still have questions, then you could contact admissions or a professor if you want to know more about a major or department.</p>
<p>Intparent, I was initially confused about the purpose of calling them, as some admissions that I have already emailed have provided me with the option to reach them by phone should questions arise (and yes, I am aware that they are supposed to be questions not otherwise stated on their website). Sorry if the words I put down created a misunderstanding.</p>
<p>Okay… just trying to help you. I mean, we could help with question ideas if you really have an interview set up. Just remember that admissions offices are busy with applications, visiting students, etc., so make sure you have a purpose when you contact them. 
What year in high school are you? Will you have any chances to visit before you apply?</p>
<p>Am glad that you clarified your situation. I guess I would throw back the question to you and see if your answer will help guide CC members to make some suggestions.</p>
<p>Without imagining being on the phone with someone, as you think about specific colleges, what are the kinds of things you really want to know that can’t be answered on a website? What information would really help you decide whether a particular college is right for you?</p>
<p>I’m a senior already, so the only real time that I could go for visits would be during Thanksgiving. But even then I’m not sure I can go because of my family’s financial status, so that’s why I’ve been finding ways to increase my chances without spending very much right now.</p>
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The school experience and alumni networks would probably be the biggest things I’d want to find out. I know the “campus vibe” is a case-to-case basis, but I really want to get feedback and know more about the social aspects of where I’d want to go. With that being said, I know places like USC are a source of where some companies choose to hire from. So the gist really is if certain colleges can determine the geographical location that I’ll end up at, and which school can ultimately get me a job at that place?</p>
<p>You may want to see if any college website had an “ask a student” phone number, email or chat option. Your questions may best be answered by asking them why they chose their school. These students, I suspect, are part of the admissions office so your questions will be logged.</p>
<p>I know one student called my daughter who was not home at the time. She then asked if I had any questions, so I asked her why that school, the social experience, housing experience and other pretty basic questions.</p>
<p>You may call to see if the admissions office can refer you to some alumni to call and ask them about after-college experience.</p>
<p>What I like about this approach is that it puts you in the interviewer position and the college in the interviewee.</p>
<p>Some of the college guides (available at libraries) have this kind of information. But I would slow down and focus on the college experience, more than what happens afterward. Choose a college that you like for its location, size, academics, and vibe, all of which can be discerned to some extent on websites.</p>
<p>I am not saying that job opportunities aren’t important. Once on campus, volunteer or intern or work in areas that interest you: those experiences will help with job hunting after college.</p>
<p>We only called one college, to say we were sorry we had to cancel a visit due to illness, and wanted to make sure they know that didn’t mean less interest. If you cannot visit, I suppose you could let your top choices know that finances are preventing a visit but that you want them to know you are serious. But after you file applications.</p>
<p>Visits really are helpful so maybe there are a few schools closer to your home-?</p>
<p>Interviews are usually set up close to home with an alumnus/a.</p>