For Juniors: Start Your College Search Virtually
My memories from junior year spring are riddled with lengthy final papers, AP History DBQs, and questions from family friends about my future college.
Do you want to leave the state?
What will be your major?
Have you taken the SAT yet?
A lot has changed since I did my college search. Most schools are test-optional, college search websites replaced the giant book of schools in counselor offices, and my hometown has high-speed internet. Nowadays, you can start your college search from the comfort of your home. Because the process can be overwhelming, I hope to leave you with a few tips for beginning your search online.
Use a search engine for colleges. Google is wonderful for finding the perfect banana bread recipe but might cast too wide a net for your college search. With websites like CollegeBoard Big Future or NCES College Navigator, you can discover colleges that fit your specific needs. Building your list will help you see what kinds of colleges are out there. Do you find yourself more excited by a large college in a remote area or a liberal arts college in a city? Start asking yourself these questions as you build your college list.
Use your social media as a college search tool. College admissions offices have accounts on social media where they share student stories, faculty spotlights, and give you a sense of campus culture. Once you find a school that you like, follow them (check us out on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, or Facebook). Notice the stories they tell and whether you can see yourself in their community. Stressed by seeing more college content on your feeds? Create a separate account dedicated to the college search process.
Register for virtual information sessions and virtual tours. If you like the 30-second TikTok videos you see, you might be interested in longer videos that give you a more in-depth glimpse into a school. Virtual tours will provide the student perspective. A student tour guide will show you inside campus buildings and tell you about their experience. At Barnard, we have both one-hour long live virtual tours and a filmed version on Youtube. Want to hear more about the admissions process? Register for a one-hour long information session guided by an admissions officer. These virtual experiences let you visit our NYC campus without traveling.
Sign up for a virtual interview! You keep picturing yourself walking around Morningside Heights, dreaming of the Zine Library, and becoming an Urban Studies major. This summer, we will offer optional virtual interviews for rising seniors looking to show their Barnard love and learn more about our community. Our interviews are casual 30-minute conversations that help us learn more about your passions while giving you the chance to ask questions about Barnard. Check out this blog post for interviewing tips.
I hope that exploring colleges virtually makes you excited for the years ahead. Don’t forget to spend time with your friends and loved ones this summer. My favorite memories from the summer before senior year were watching movies at our local drive-in theater, swimming at the river nearby, and taking time to relax. As you head into senior year, don’t forget to slow down and enjoy the time you have with the people who support you!