College Visit Information

College Campus Visits currently scheduled:

• A college visit to University of Maine at Orono is scheduled for Monday, November 21st - O Day.
• A college visit to USM and St. Joseph's College is scheduled for Tuesday, December 6th - O Day.

  ******************************
  Students wishing to participate in college campus visits must fill out a permission form, obtain teacher and parent signatures, and return to the guidance department by the designated due date. A sampling of the form can be found below.

  The Greater Gardiner College Access Committee through a MELMAC grant coordinates college campus visits for students interested in exploring post-secondary options. The trips are advertised from the guidance office and the students pick up the permission form (see below), have their teachers and parents sign the form, and return to the guidance office by the designated due date.

  The GGCAC has made it possible for students to visit college campuses this year. College visits that cause students to miss class time must be approved in advance in order to be considered excusable absences. This form, available in the guidance office, needs to be completed prior to a planned absence in order to be considered an excused absence. Once the form is completed, please return it to the guidance office.

  Student Name: ________________________________ Grade _________ O Day

  The above student requests to be excused from classes on:

  Contract A or Contract B must be selected by the student and his/her teachers

  Contract A: I agree to do all homework and to give my work to the appropriate teachers prior to leaving. I will also agree to be responsible for any tests, quizzes, or projects that are assigned.

  Contract B: I agree that all homework will be done within three school days upon my return to school. I also agree to be responsible for any tests, quizzes, or projects that are assigned. I will meet my academic obligations upon my return.

  Period Subject Contract (s) Teacher Signature
  1
  2
  3
  4

  ____________________________________ __________________________________
  Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature

  Parent/Guardian phone number in case of emergency: _________________________

  ___________________________________________ _______________________
  Administrator Signature

  Tips for the Campus Visit
  • Plan ahead. A weekday when school is in session is the best time to visit a campus. If you plan to visit during the week and this is a school you know you are very interested in, try to set up an interview with the admissions office. Plan to take a tour of the campus and ask about attending classes or even spending a night with a student. All this can be done through the admission’s office.
  • If you are interested in playing any sport at this school, try to touch base with the coach or ask the school to contact the coach so that you can have a meeting while on campus.
  • Try to attend an open house. Most colleges will offer fee waivers to families who attend the open house. This is another good opportunity to get a feel for the school.
  • Check out the town and surrounding communities. It is important to get a sense of the area. Do you want to be in a small community such as where you live or would you like to try a bigger city? Getting a feel for the area will let you know if you will be comfortable in this setting for the next 4-5 years.
  • Keep a journal of all college visits. Write your impressions of the school and the area. In the Soph/Jr./Sr. College Planning handbook there is a check off form to assist you with your college visits.

  Questions to ask while on the campus visit:
  • What activities and services (academically and socially are available to help the incoming freshmen get settled?
  • How big are the classes generally?
  • Is the faculty accessible to the students?
  • What is the total cost of attending this school?
  • Are freshmen assigned to an academic counselor?
  • What are the housing arrangements for freshmen?
  • How successful are graduating seniors in finding jobs?
  • Does your campus offer a career counseling office? Can alumni access the career counseling center?
  • What is available locally for students?