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College
Representatives @ Marshall School Spring 2007
Spring 2008
University of Minnesota - Morris - April 30th @ 1:00pm
Gustavus Adolphus College - April 21 @ 8:30am
Are you a college representative?
We
thank you for your interest in Marshall School. As an independent,
college preparatory day school for boys and girls, Marshall is
committed to helping students find the right match for post-secondary
education. The College Guidance Office welcomes over 100 college
representatives to campus each fall, and we hope you will consider
visiting as well.
Vist Guidelines
Directions
to Marshall School
- To
reach Marshall School from Interstate 35: Exit at Mesaba Avenue. Take
Mesaba Avenue through the Central Entrance intersection. Mesaba Avenue
becomes Rice Lake Road at this intersection. The entrance to Marshall
School is about 1/2 mile from the Central Entrance intersection. Turn
left into Marshall School parking lot and park in visitor parking.
- Proceed
to the Upper School Office once on campus. Directions to the College
Guidance Office will be given from there.
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College
Fairs
Minnesota
National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) Fair : OCTOBER 1 & 2, 2008
- Marshall School arranges a
field trip for Juniors
- Minneapolis Convention Center,
Halls D & E
- This fair is attended by more
colleges than any other fair in the U.S. - there are more than 500
colleges represented
Minnesota Education Fair
-
College Fair
University of
Wisconsin-Superior
Monday, September 24th, 2007,
6:00-8:00p.m.
Teesday, September 25th, 2007,
9:00-11:00a.m.
*Click the above link to view
the list of colleges attending the event
College That Change
Lives (CTCL) Fair (see above)
Saturday, SEPTEMBER 6, 2008, 10:00-12:30pm
- Marshall School DOES NOT
arrange a field trip for this fair
- Usually occurs in August or
September in the Twin Cities
- Published in 1996 and revised
in 2000, Colleges That Change Lives is a timeless classic that reminds
students about the tremendous potential that exists for them if they
find the right college match.
Colleges
That Change Lives features author Loren Pope’s choices for
the top 40 liberal arts colleges and universities, based on his years
of research as a journalist, as well as his direct interaction with
students and graduates of the CTCL schools.
During
his numerous “stealth” campus visits, Mr. Pope
sought evidence that teaching was the foremost priority for faculty. At
the CTCL schools, countless faculty, many of whom were schooled by or
had taught at Ivy League universities, told him again and again that
when they had arrived at the CTCL campus, they found a place where
teaching and learning were “what I thought it was supposed to
be like!”
Performing
& Visual Arts Colleges Fair (in Twin Cities)
Tuesday, October 16, 2007 @ 7:00-9:00p.m.
Univeristy of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Lutheran
Colleges Fair -
Sponsored by Luthercolleges.org
| Tuesday, April 22, 2008 |
Duluth, MN |
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First Lutheran Church
1100 East Superior Street
Duluth, MN 55802
218-728-3558
» Directions
| 6:30 p.m. |
Registration Begins |
| 7:00 p.m. |
Financial Aid Seminar |
| 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. |
Lutheran College Fair
Reception & Hors d'Oeuvres |
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| Sunday, April 20, 2008 |
Bloomington, MN |
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Minneapolis Airport Marriott
2020 American Boulevard East.
Bloomington, MN 55425
952-854-7441
» Directions
From I-494, take the 24th Ave. South exit. Turn right onto East American Boulevard and hotel will be on your right.
| 3:30 p.m. |
Registration Begins |
| 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. |
Workshops |
| 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. |
Lutheran College Fair
Reception & Hors d'Oeuvres |
|
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| Monday, April 21, 2008 |
Maple Grove , MN |
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Lord of Life Lutheran Church
18500 County Road 101
Maple Grove MN 55311
763-420-5015
Directions:
From Interstate 494, take the Bass Lake Road exit. Turn west on to Bass Lake Road. Continue for about 4 miles, until you reach the stop sign at the intersection of Bass Lake Road and County Road 101. Continue straight ahead into the Lord of Life parking lot (Bass Lake Road literally turns into the driveway for Lord of Life).
| 6:30 p.m. |
Registration Begins |
| 6:45 p.m. |
Workshops |
| 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. |
Lutheran College Fair |
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Advice
for Visiting Colleges
Visiting
a college is one of the most important information-gathering tools in
the college search process. It provides an excellent opportunity to
determine a college's fit.
The
junior year is a great time to begin visiting colleges, especially if
the student is ready and interested. Starting too early can lead to
burnout in the process. There is no one perfect time to visit colleges,
but it is best to do so when school absences can be kept to a minimum.
In fact, the first campus visit should made be via the world wide web.
College websites provide information that will help prioritize colleges
to physically visit.
When
making a college visit, there are several timeframes to consider;
there is no wrong choice because each option has merit.
Begin your visits close to
home:
Minnesota has many outstanding schools of all sizes and varieties:
public, private, urban, suburban, rural, large, medium and small
schools. You might begin your campus visits with a Minnesota school
that fits your exploration criteria. Go on these visits with an open
mind; you might find the type of place that is right for you, and can
then expand your search from the type of school that interests you.
Links to MN colleges websites:
Augsburg
College, Bethel
University, Carleton
College, College
of St. Catherine's, College
of St. Scholastica, Saint
John's University and College of Saint Benedict, Gustavus Adolphus College,
Hamline
University, Macalester
College, St.
Olaf College, University
of Saint Thomas, MN
State Universities, and Universities
of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Duluth, Morris, Crookston, and Rochester.
Spring Visits: If you and your family want a
spring start visiting colleges, we suggest that you travel during
Marshall's Mid-Winter or Spring Break. You will find most colleges in
the midst of their application reading process, so expect admission
officers to be busy. Be prepared to see some offices staffed by
skeleton crew, with campus visits limited to tours and group
information sessions.
Summer Visits: Although you will not see the
campus with many students in action, both you and the admissions office
have more time to devote to your visit. Admission offices are generally
more relaxed in the summer and are willing to spend more time with you.
Often, it is easier to schedule an interview with an admission
representative in the summer. Many colleges become summer conferences
facilities that make the campuses more active. Although the majority of
summer programs do not reflect the typical students or courses of the
academic year, summer visits will give you enough information to
continue your interest in the school.
Fall Visits: Many families prefer fall
campus visits while courses are in session. Admission offices may be
understaffed at this time because officers are on the road recruiting.
It is most important to call well in advance for fall visit
appointments. We suggest that seniors schedule visits for the second or
third week in October around parent conference days. This allows
seniors to visit colleges without missing much school; we strongly
recommend planning a fall college trip during this time.
Visits after being accepted: Some students visit campuses
after they have received all their admission decisions, which can be a
good strategy, because in the spring many colleges offer special
admitted student weekend programs. You will have the opportunity to
stay overnight in a residence hall, eat the school's food, attend a
class or two, see extracurricular activities, and get to know some of
the people who might also be attending the school as first year
students next year.
Questions to ask during your
visit:
Faculty and Teaching
-
How
much time do professors spend with students?
-
In what ways do professors
spend time with students outside of class?
-
Who
actually teaches the classes for first year students?
-
How
many students will be assigned to each academic advisor?
Libraries,
Laboratories and Equipment
-
How
many books and periodicals are in the library?
-
What
kind of scientific equipment is available in the laboratories?
-
Will
you have access to laboratories when you need them?
-
Are laboratories open in the
evenings and weekends?
-
How is the college keeping up
with technology in the marketplace?
-
Is it a wireless campus?
Curriculum
-
How
often are classes or sections closed to students who need to take them?
-
Describe your off-campus
programs and internships opportunities.
-
How
many students study abroad during their college years?
Campus Life
-
What
support services are available—tutors, writing assistance,
counselors?
-
What
happens after class and on weekends (e.g. IM athletics, student
organizations)?
-
What
opportunities are available for community service?
-
What are the Residential Life
facilities like?
Results
-
How
long does it take for students to graduate?
-
What
happens to students after they graduate (e.g. graduate school, jobs)?
-
What
career placement and counseling services are available?
-
What
internships or career exploration opportunities are available to
students?
Alumni
-
What
kinds of careers have alumni pursued?
-
On average, how long does it
take for graduates to find jobs?
Make the most of your visit:
- Discuss
your itinerary with your College Counselor, who can help you map out
your visit and plan your itinerary.
- If
you will miss school, notify the Upper School
Director's Administrative Assistant in advance in order to
obtain a homework schedule from teachers.
- Review
the college website and any information the school has sent. Develop a
list of questions to ask the admissions officers and current students;
this is particularly important if you have an admissions interview.
Also, read a description of the college from one of the many narrative
guidebooks available in the College Counseling Office. Depending on
your interests, you may also want to schedule meetings with people such
as coaches or professors. If you do request additional appointments,
prepare a separate list of questions for those meetings.
- Do
not plan to visit too many colleges during the same timeframe. We
suggest no more than two colleges in a day, or seven on any one trip.
College visits are more work than you may think!
- Arrange
your schedule so that you are able to attend everything: the
information sessions, tours, and interviews. Most schools offer
information sessions at least twice each day, six days a week. These
sessions are typically prefaced or followed by a student-led tour. Call
ahead (at least two weeks), as reservations may be required.
- Inquire
about the possibility of observing classes. Most admission offices are
happy to provide a list of classes pre-approved for visitors. Observe
class sizes, facilities, and teaching styles. Ask about the
accessibility of faculty.
- Request
good directions to the school's campus and admissions office. Confirm
the location of guest parking for admissions candidates, parking fees,
and possible discounts.
Make sure you see a dorm room similar to the one in which you will
live. If possible, ask to see a real first year's room. Housing options
vary greatly from school to school, and can include: single sex, coed
by floor, coed by room, separate bathrooms, and coed bathrooms.
Different options may exist for upper class students.
- Eat
in the dining facilities. You need to know if the food is acceptable to
your taste. Inquire about meal plan programs as well.
- Talk
to as many students as possible. Find out where students study, hang
out, and go on weekends. Ask different students about the current
issues on campus, and what they like or dislike about the school. Also,
check the bulletin boards for campus news, and pick up a campus
newspaper, as it will tell you about campus life.
- If
you will be applying for financial aid, parents should plan to meet
with the school's financial aid officer. Many admission counselors are
also well versed in financial aid and will be able to answer most
questions.
- Take
detailed notes. When visiting several colleges during a short span
of time, you may have difficulty remembering the differences. Use the
time in the car to record your impressions of each school.
- Collect
business cards, take note of the names of each person you meet
during your visit, and send thank you notes accordingly. Make it
personal by referring to something from your conversation. Remember,
everyone likes to be appreciated for doing a good job.
- Be
sure to spend some free time exploring each college and the
surrounding area on your own. Keep in mind that you are choosing a home
for four years, not just a college.
The College
Interview:
Some
colleges recommend interviews; few actually require them, and some do
not even offer them. Interviews, when offered, can and do make a
difference. The interview is the only face-to-face part of the search
process. It is unlikely, however, that the interview alone will
persuade the admission decision committee to overlook weaknesses in
your application.
Types of Interviews:
The on-campus one-on-one
interview with an admissions officer or student intern: Typically, an admissions
officer conducts such interviews, and his or her reactions to your
30-60 minute conversation will be included in your file. It is,
perhaps, the most important type of interview because the interviewer
is often a decision-maker.
The on-campus group interview: This type of interview is
more useful to students in helping them gain information about the
school, than it is in helping the school gain information about the
students.
The alumni interview: This type of interview is
becoming more popular. It can, occasionally, provide critical
information to an admissions committee. These interviews are usually
arranged after the college has received your application.
The high school visit or
admissions evening (both hosted by a college representative): Similar to the campus group
interview, you can distinguish yourself in the crowd by asking
thoughtful questions. Admission officers routinely keep notes of all
their contacts with students in these (as well as other) settings,
unless the size of the meeting prohibits doing so.
Objectives of the Interview:
- Your
foremost objective is to convince the college representative that you
are a good fit for that school. How do you do that?
- Develop
your interview objectives based on your strengths and weaknesses, your
high school record, and your personality. Consider your responses to
the following questions as you prepare for your interview:
- How do you want the interviewer to remember you?
- How, in 30-60 minutes, do you communicate the
special qualities that set you apart from other applicants?
- How do you handle any doubts the admissions officer
may have about a weakness in your record?
- How can you find out if the school is right for
you, and how do you want to communicate why you think the college is a
good fit for you?
Remember
that the interviewer also has objectives. Her of his primary
goal is to learn about you and your interest in their school. However,
the interviewer also considers the interview as an opportunity to sell
their school to you.
How to prepare for an
interview:
- Practice
answering questions about the following: your academic record,
test scores, grades, course selection, activities, summer experiences,
goals, and your interest in this school.
- Read
the literature sent to you by the college, in guidebooks (many are
available in the College Counseling Office) or on the college's
website.
- Come
prepared whether or not you have been asked to bring a transcript and
be prepared to discuss your academic background and test scores. Also,
be prepared to discuss how you spend your time outside of school.
- Know
your objectives and what you hope to accomplish during the interview.
- Candor
and maturity will work in you favor.
- Be
prepared to discuss a blemish in your record without complaining,
making excuses, or blaming others.
- Practice
with your College Counselor, you may find an admissions interview
similar to job interviewing you have already experienced.
Interview Dos:
- Be
yourself.
- Maintain
good eye contact.
- Dress
well and neatly. Take your baseball cap off.
- Be
positive.
- Listen.
- Try
to avoid one sentence or one-word answers. Remember, each question is
an invitation for a conversation. Keep it going.
- Show
interest. Be engaging. Pay attention to both the questions being asked
and the answers your interviewer gives.
- Be
honest.
- Prepare
a few questions about the school ahead of time.
- Relax,
have fun! Remember the interviewer is looking for reasons to like you
and to find ways in which the college is a good fit for you just as you
are trying to sell yourself to the college.
- Send
a thank you note.
Interview Don'ts:
- Do
not be late for your appointment. If you are late due to extreme
circumstance, phone the admission office to give them time to make
accomodations.
- Do
not ask the interviewer to compare colleges.
- Do
not make excuses or blame others for any blemish on your record. Offer
concise explanations that indicate a sense of personal responsibility
and/or lesson learned.
- Do
not provide academic materials unless they are requested. Admission
officers will review your transcript and resume at another time; they
prefer to use the interview to get to know you personally.
- Do
not argue with your parents during the campus visit. They will have
questions that might be different from yours -- let them ask. An
argument will only reflect poorly on you.
The Interviewer's Questions:
College
interviews usually focus on your high school record, personal
interests, and college goals, so be prepared to discuss these areas
before your first interview.
Be
prepared to discuss the type of student you are; your favorite
subjects, most challenging courses, what you like best about school,
whether your academic record is an accurate reflection of your ability,
and your activities.
About
you. You may not like it, but the interview is about you, so be
prepared to talk about yourself and your interests. Some of the
discussion topics may include books you enjoy reading, people you
admire or consider to be heroes, your family and friends, how others
see you, your dreams and aspirations, and your views on current events.
About
college. Be prepared to discuss why you are interested in the college,
what you are looking for in a college environment, your academic
interest (if you have one-don't be afraid to admit that you are
undecided), and your long term goals. It is also very common for
interviewers to ask what other colleges you are considering.
Final thoughts:
Most
important, relax and be yourself. The admission decision does not
depend exclusively on the interview. Interviews are, generally, just a
friendly, informative conversation. This is your opportunity not only
to establish a personal connection with the college through the
interviewer, but search seriously about this college and how well it
fits you. Remember, college is a match to be made not a prize to be won.
Interview Thoughts For Parents
Only:
The
purpose of the interview is for your daughter or son to learn more
about the school and visa versa, so resist the temptation to answer
questions that are addressed to your child. The actual interview will
involve only the student and the admission officer. During the 30 - 45
minute meeting, you can walk around campus on your own, or keep an
appointment with a financial aid officer. Following the interview, you
may be given an opportunity to ask questions. Feel free to ask your
questions then regarding the application, deadlines, tuition payment
plans, or parents' organizations.
If
you accompany your son or daughter on a campus visit and go to the
interview, resist the urge "to see all" in too short a period of time.
Tired or harried students and parents do not usually make pleasant
visitors.
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Marshall School College Counseling
1215 Rice Lake Road, Duluth, MN 55811
Phone: (218) 727-7266
E-Mail: CollegeCounseling
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