Click here to go to the NEW College Discussion Forum

Hi all -

I've been lurking here for a while, and you all seem like a really knowledgeable bunch of people about the college admissions process.

My question: I had always planned on taking a college tour with my family to some of the schools I am interested in, but some unforseen, serious medical problems prevented that from happening, and I'm not sure I'll be able to travel to visit the schools I want to visit before I apply.

I know many schools log all of your contacts with them, and I haven't had too many because of this. Is there anything else I should do to make myself known to these schools?

Also, I know whenever I contact schools, they tell me I need to schedule a visit. I know I can't do that because of my circumstances, but I'm never really sure how to respond. I don't want to seem like I'm blowing a good school off, but I also don't really feel comfortable talking about what is going on (don't want to sound like I'm asking for sympathy). If anyone has any advice on this subject, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks!

-Justin

By Thedad (Thedad) on Monday, June 02, 2003 - 11:54 pm: Edit

Justin, you don't have to tell *us* what's going on but you should tell *the colleges* what's going on that's preventing you from visiting. If possible, ask to speak with the Admissions officer covering your area. If the story makes sense--and I think they have pretty good b.s. detectors--they'll credit you with serious interest in the college and probably cut you slack for not being able to visit in person.

By Momof2 (Momof2) on Tuesday, June 03, 2003 - 09:31 am: Edit

One good thing about phone calls: when I've had to discuss uncomfortable subjects or deliver really bad news, I actually think about it ahead and write down a few phrases I know are appropriate, truthful, but not too emotional. It really helps, and no one knows you have the notes. Some things really are too difficult to ad-lib, even for an adult. Good luck to you.

By Serene (Serene) on Tuesday, June 03, 2003 - 10:06 am: Edit

You don't even need to let admission officers know (when I visited colleges I didn't leave my name anywhere =P), just the interviewers imho.

By Istar1018 (Istar1018) on Tuesday, June 03, 2003 - 10:02 pm: Edit

Thanks for all of the replies!

It's good to know that there are some things I can be doing... I'm going to plan out some phone calls now. I really do appreciate the advice!