Tour Colleges During Break

Are you off school this or next week for mid-winter break? Or do you get a long weekend for President’s Day? It is never too early to schedule a road trip to check out a college or two.

From now till April (with a few blackout dates), juniors interested in Michigan State University can experience life at MSU for a day or overnight. You’ll be paired with a student, attend classes, eat in residence halls, visit the bookstore, go to a student group meeting, and more. If you want to get the whole experience, you can request to spend a night with a student in a dorm room.

Thinking of heading east? NYU offers campus tours with student ambassadors and information sessions with admissions reps just about every day of the week. You just have to go online and register.

The University of Michigan hosts information sessions and campus tours several times a week;  you can even schedule interviews (though this is not required for admission) at the University of Chicago between Monday, Feb. 20, and Thursday,  Feb. 23, with fourth-year students to learn more about the school.

While there, ask about the essay. What do admissions people want to know in the supplement Why NYU? What is U of M looking for in the supplemental application question, Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests?

After you decide which schools seem like good choices for you, visit Wow Writing Workshop online to find out how our 10-step program can help you complete your college app essays in your own words and in your own voice.

Enjoy your road trips.

Kim Lifton is a co-founder and writing coach for Wow Writing Workshop.