Session presented at the 2010 OACAC Spring Conference

1. Doing More With theHigh School Visit Zakiya Collins, University of Cincinnati Jessica King, University of Cincinnati Cindy Weeks, McNicholas High School 2010 OACAC Spring Conference

2. We’re preparing for the visit… Where do we start?

3. Admissions Representatives Cover basic, key information about admissions Understand that it’s about timing, timing, timing Full class period, running late, etc. Strive to be flexible with high school schedules Find ways to connect with students BEFORE the visit …and ways to stay connected after the visit Bring incentives for counselors

4. College Counselors Provide up-front scheduling policies Specific visitation day, lunch visits only, etc. Greet admissions reps Show them to their location Assist with materials Help keep students focused

5. General Suggestions Cheat sheets and school profiles Early scheduling, notification of policies E-mail, letter, phone call – It goes both ways! Anticipate size of group and particular needs Call ahead, use technology and tracking options Cards of appreciation Maintaining contact through the year Building relationships, helping students

6. So, we’re at the high school… What happens now?

7. Admissions Representatives Connect with students Leave a lasting, positive impression about your school Let your personality shine Make students comfortable Jokes, stories Know your audience Be honest, yet positive

8. College Counselors Host a college kick-off session for your seniors at the beginning of the year Junior year programs are helpfulbut students need a refresher Cover any range of details of the college search process Questions to ask admissions representations Deadlines Tips about essays and statements Testing and preparation Leads to better informed students, more opportunity to focus on the college

9. Admissions Representatives Find a creative presentation style that works for you Move away from generic format at each visit What would be most effective at a particular school based on its culture and the student body? Use of materials or technology Print: viewbooks, posters Electronic: slideshows, videos Question and Answer sessions

10. College Counselors Sit in on the visit and presentation Learn new information and procedures Processes change every year Assist with questions You know your students best Students don’t always know what to ask

11. Admissions Representatives Utilize the experiences of current students Bring current students who are alums of the high school, when possible If they can’t actually travel with you, how do you use their input and experiences? Provide contact information or offer to make connections

12. College Counselors Encourage interested students to attend Have already applied Based on specific majors or interests Have already visited campus or plan to do so Provide information about interested students who cannot attend Name E-mail Program of study

13. We’re all on thesame team… How do we best help students?