COUNSELOR CONNECTS

With Spring Break rapidly approaching, this month's issue of Counselor Connects contains information for high school students who want to make the most out of their Spring Break.

Spring Break

By Ravenwood High School Counselor Stacie Ballard and
Fairview High School Counselor Mark Schwartz

For many students, Spring Break is a time that's usually spent at the beach, visiting family, or just relaxing at home.  However, we want you to think about another option.  Even if you are an underclassman, your Spring Break is a great time to venture to different colleges to find what type of campus might be a better fit for you.  You can only do so much when reading the college brochures or searching through their website.  Campus visits are one of the best ways to know the true feel of the campus.  Therefore, one of the best times to do this is when you can visit multiple colleges at once.  So, here are some suggestions to make the most out of your college visit, whether on Spring Break or an alternative time.

• Call ahead to schedule your campus visit since some places have limited spots for their tours. Once your official tour is over, make sure to take some time and visit the other parts of campus. Tours generally show you the best of the university. So, at least drive around to see what else there is.

• Of course, visit when school is in session. Perhaps they are on their Spring Break too. You don’t want to miss the true buzz of the campus. Keep this in mind for summer too. You will not see the same amount of campus life during that time.

• Eat in the dining hall. Believe it or not, most of your food will come from here. Therefore, it is best to try it out.

• Meet with an advisor in the department of your interest. They can tell you more details about a major or even the programs they offer. Generally, this is your best source of information related to what academic interests you might have and how the university will match your expectations.

• If you know what you want to study, a class visit makes a lot of sense. Call ahead of time, though, to ensure that this is an option for you.

• Some schools offer overnight stays. If this is an option, it would be a great way to see what the dorms are like before you have to choose them as your housing option.

• Visit the places on campus that will have meaning for you. If you are into sports, check out their intramural fields or fitness facility. If you like studying in the library, explore the places you might be for those late night cram sessions. Perhaps you are in need of special support. Do they have a writing center or math tutoring? Can they help you with certain academic accommodations?

• Check out campus bulletin boards to find what events they have at school or in the surrounding area. These boards usually have postings about area concerts, sporting events, lectures, plays, club meetings, religious services, job openings, etc. If something is important to you, you might notice here what is important for the community.

No matter where you go, if the temperatures are just as nice as now, make sure to remember these tips:

1. Apply sunscreen SPF 15 or higher and reapply during the day.

2. Wear a hat and sunglasses outside.

3. Drink plenty of water if you’re in the sun sweating a lot.

4. Wear a life vest on boats.

5. If traveling, become familiar with surroundings, including local emergency rooms.  Stick close to friends and people you trust.

6. Resist peer pressure to join in activities you know are questionable or dangerous.