What is private college week?
Want to learn more about private colleges and private universities? Consider attending private college week, a unique way to learn about campus life. You and your family are able to tour the campus, attend information sessions, talk to professors, students, and coaches, and get a feel for the school.
During the week, private colleges frequently offer special opportunities for prospective students. You can eat in the dining hall, sit in on a class, read the school's newspaper, and attend a sporting or cultural event that interests you. You can also visit a dorm room, and if the school offers, even participate in a "shadow visit," in which you follow a student through their daily classes and sleep in a dorm room overnight.
You can also take time to walk on campus by yourself to see if you feel comfortable and try to imagine yourself living at the school. Most importantly, you can ask questions and talk to as many people as possible, student and faculty alike, about their experience.
Not all private colleges are liberal arts colleges, but many are, so attending an event like this can also give you the opportunity to see if life at a liberal arts college is right for you.
How do I sign up for private college week?
Not all private universities in a state participate, so be sure to verify if and when the schools you are interested in are participating. In order to sign up for private college week, you should call the admissions departments or register online at the schools' Web site if available. Set up your visit with the school in advance to ensure that there is room in all of the tours and seminars for you and your family.
Be sure to visit every private college that you are interested in applying to so that you can make an informed decision about which college to attend.
When should I attend private college week?
You should plan to attend private college week during your junior year of high school, so that you will be prepared for all application deadlines your senior year. Many private colleges organize this event during the summer semester so that you don't have to miss high school to participate.
If you are scouting out private universities earlier than most, then you can also attend during your sophomore year of high school.