HHS COLLEGE VISITS
Each fall (late September through early November), Hingham High School offers students the opportunity to meet with representatives from over 100 college and universities. Juniors and Seniors are eligible and must sign up via Naviance. Sessions are offered at different times throughout the day, so students must get permission from their teacher to leave a class to attend a session.
The purpose of the sessions are varied: students can get general information about schools they may be interested in, they may have specific questions to ask, or they may want to follow up with a rep if they have already made a campus visit and want to express continued interest.
The purpose of the sessions are varied: students can get general information about schools they may be interested in, they may have specific questions to ask, or they may want to follow up with a rep if they have already made a campus visit and want to express continued interest.
COLLEGE FAIRS
The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NCAC) offers College Fairs throughout the country.
See link for details on dates and locations locally.
Link to NACAC website
See link for details on dates and locations locally.
Link to NACAC website
COLLEGE CAMPUS TOURS
Visiting college campuses is a great way to see a campus in action and learn more about what the school has to offer. Note that students are allowed 3 excused absences during the Junior year and 3 during the Senior year. Documentation from the college is required (e-mails are not acceptable).
Developing a List of Colleges to Consider: Where to begin and what to consider
Visiting Colleges
Students and parents should start to visit colleges some time during the Junior Year. A list of considerations is provided. It is by no means exhaustive, but it covers many of the major factors that students (and parents) consider when evaluating schools for a good fit.
If students know some of the factors that are very important to them, they should focus on those as they start to compare different schools. If students are less sure about what they are looking for, noting major likes and dislikes after a few visits, may help them focus their search.
Campus information sessions and tours are both valuable in helping you to learn as much as you can about the college you are visiting. Typically, these visits can be scheduled online via the college website. Information sessions are usually led by members of the admissions staff (sometimes students also speak during these sessions). Tours are typically given by student volunteers.
Additional Advice:
Developing a List of Colleges to Consider: Where to begin and what to consider
- Areas of Academic focus; Breadth of Majors and Minors
- Size
- Location
- Statistics (SAT/ACT and your GPA relative to Naviance database)
- Private vs. Public
- Religious affiliation
- Cost and availability of scholarships and aid
Visiting Colleges
Students and parents should start to visit colleges some time during the Junior Year. A list of considerations is provided. It is by no means exhaustive, but it covers many of the major factors that students (and parents) consider when evaluating schools for a good fit.
If students know some of the factors that are very important to them, they should focus on those as they start to compare different schools. If students are less sure about what they are looking for, noting major likes and dislikes after a few visits, may help them focus their search.
Campus information sessions and tours are both valuable in helping you to learn as much as you can about the college you are visiting. Typically, these visits can be scheduled online via the college website. Information sessions are usually led by members of the admissions staff (sometimes students also speak during these sessions). Tours are typically given by student volunteers.
Additional Advice:
- Don’t try to visit more than 2 colleges in one day. It can be overwhelming and things may blur.
- Take notes while you are on campus. Note major likes/dislikes; pros/cons. This will be invaluable later when you are trying to decide which schools you want to apply to. You may also refer back to these impressions if you are asked to write an essay about why you want to attend a particular school.
- Pick up a copy of the school newspaper, try out the cafeteria, sample a day in the life of a student.
- Plan in advance for February and April break and other long weekends. Many other people are also visiting colleges at these times and sessions may fill up.
- If you are particularly interested in a certain program, set up time to meet with a professor or sit in on a class.
- Ultimately, what’s most important is your overall impression. Can you see yourself on the campus? And will the school offer you whatever is most important to you in terms of academics and student life?
- Use the guidelines from the school (GPA and test scores) and Naviance to evaluate whether the schools you are most interested in are realistic choices for you.
- Stop by your counselor's office and ask for the contact information of the Hingham High students currently attending the school or schools you are planning to visit. They can be a great source of information even if you only connect via email.
