Visit them.  You have three college visitation days – they are excused absences, but they ARE ABSENCES.  If you have not done so, you MUST actually walk on the grounds of

a.        TCU  - private

b.       UTA – state

c.        TCC (formerly TCJC) – junior college 

They are different from each other, accessible – and scary the first time.  But call the Admissions Office and make an appointment for someone to show you around.  At least that way you know the kinds of info that you can expect to hear.  After the official tour – it should include visiting some classes in session – hang around the student union and bookstore; just browse, people watch.  Can you imagine yourself there?

    Guides and directories 

The Guidance  Center has shelves of this stuff.  There are also videos (and the monitor to watch them) there.

      College nights and college-hosted receptions; college reps on campus 

Yes, it’s important to make a good impression at these times.  [Reps make notes – even if they say they don’t…]

Don’t monopolize the rep.

Don’t brag about you SAT scores

Be prepared with an intelligent question – not something that you should know.  [e.g. “Where is New York University located?” is NOT GOOD.]

    The colleges themselves, by mail 

They will tell you about:  academic programs, requirements for admissions (and graduation!), costs, financial aid, living arrangements, etc. 

You don’t need to write a letter.  Send a postcard.  BE NEAT.  If you are applying to a private school of any size it will be the beginning of your file an a sloppy note, a cross out or a spelling error will stare in the face of every admissions person who sees your file.

                GET INFO FROM SCHOOLS

                Sample postcard:

                Dear Admissions Officer: 

I am interested in receiving information on your undergraduate program in (name the program).  Please send all relevant admissions materials to: 

Lucy McGillicuddy

1111 N. South Street

Podunk, TX 77070 

Sincerely,

Your signature  (legibly written)

                Address it to:

                                Undergraduate Admissions

                                Shrewsbury College

                                1111 S. North Street  

                                Missoula, MT 60606

                      ( Find the address in one of the directories in the Guidance Center.)