December 3rd, 2009

 I choose to give thanks to God every day, Thanksgiving was one of those days I did that and more.  Thanksgiving is a day of reflection on what we are thankful for. It seems many families experience thanksgiving with different traditions. So in the spirit of being diverse and embracing different traditions my friend Emil (BFF) and I set out on a journey to 7 different houses to shake hands, hug friends, and of course EAT!

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Tagged As: Art, basketball, Community Service, Food, Friends, Jobs, Philadelphia, Philly, photos, thanksgiving, Visiting
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August 11th, 2009

Several college visits into your search, things might start to get blurry. Every big, stone academic building starts to look the same; you won’t remember which college had the awesome “student life center”; and all you’ll remember about the dining halls is that their food was a lot better than your high school’s. The facts crammed into your head during the tours and presentations will go kaput when it’s time to make the all-important college choice.

As a tour guide for CHC (we call them “student ambassadors”), I’ve seen my fair share of students’ glazed-over eyes as mom and dad accompany them on college tour #76. To conquer “repetitive tour syndrome,” I’m proposing something that will add a little spice to your experience: asking the right questions.

After all, your tour guide should be a lot more than a booming figure leading a mass of minions throughout campus; we’re real students who just happen to have a pretty cool job. Ask your tour guide at any college a few of these questions–you’ll get an even more memorable tour, and we’ll feel less like a robot and more like your friend. Save the drab questions for an admissions counselor!

Why did you choose this school?
Although this seems like a no-brainer, it’s a great way to break the ice. Whether they chose it for academics, location, or financial aid, you might find yourself in similar shoes.

What’s one class you think every student should take, regardless of their major?
Your ambassador might be a marketing major while you’re headed into English, but chances are they’ve taken a class they really enjoyed that they think you will, too. Since CHC is a liberal arts college, we take classes that are all over the map–my favorite class so far was Constructing Memory and Memoir.

Do you live on campus? If so, how have your living experiences been?
Okay, so this is two questions. If you plan to live on campus, you’ll want to hear more than the usual rundown your tour guide gives in a sample dorm room. Did they have a roommate disaster? Should you bring a mattress pad?

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Tagged As: Questions, Visiting
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April 26th, 2009

A campus tour can give you a good feel for a college, but a shadow visit provides the opportunity to become a college student for a day or two, going to classes and meals and getting to know other students.

To get the most out of your visit, follow these tips:

1. Research the school. It may seem like it should go without saying, but you should always have an understanding of the school before you visit. Most schools have a “Fast Facts” section that will give you an overview of the school, including percentage of residential students, any religious affiliation, and other basics.

2. Prepare a list of questions. You’ll have the opportunity to talk to students, staff, admissions counselors, and faculty members, including professors in your major. Inevitably, at least one of those people will ask, “Do you have any questions?” Having some questions prepared will get you the information you need and want to make an informed decision, and it’ll give the questioners a chance to feel good for helping you, too.

3. Check out a campus map. Although you’ll most likely be accompanied by your student host or admissions counselor the whole time, it’s good to have a feel for the lay of the land. You’ll be less disoriented during your visit and will be able to find the cafeteria, bookstore, or other points of interest if necessary.

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Tagged As: tips, Visiting
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April 12th, 2009

As you’re probably quickly realizing, college visits can get old pretty fast, even if (like me) you’re totally passionate about the college search process. Colleges will try to set themselves apart and make their tours and open houses unique, but there’s only so much they can do within that set format.

You, as the visitors, can take matters into your own hands, though.

Instead of being a passive visitor on your next college tour, turn the event into a photo scavenger hunt. The photos will give you a great way to remember exactly which college is which, while also providing you a fun base of comparison. You can make up your own scavenger hunt list based on your criteria for your future college, or you can use the following list I’ve made.

(I must admit that it’s a little biased towards CHC… but what else would you expect from a lifelong Griffin?)

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Tagged As: campus, photos, tour, Visiting
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