Sneak Preview Day!

         Today was sneak preview day on campus for my university. It was an amazing turnout and the campus was filled with a lot of incoming freshman and transfer students. I gave a lot of campus tours today with students and parents and I was asked a lot of questions that I feel are really important to ask. I know a lot of the time some girls transfer to other schools so this list below will be really helpful, when figuring out where you want to transfer to for college. This list applies to any grad level, undergrad or graduate.

1.       Student housing prices? Is it more expensive to life on or off campus? - Especially if you’re not a financial aid student, and you’re paying for school on your own. This is very helpful to know because it will help you plan your budget. Remember also there are different prices for full time students then half time students.

2.      Is my major impacted? - A lot of the time schools majors will be impacted. What does this mean? It will be harder for you to get the classes that you need. Don’t be discouraged to apply for the school when you know your major is impacted. It does not mean the school is bad, it means there are a lot of students on campus who has the same interest as you. Which is a good thing, you will have more people to study and socialize with.

3.      What is social life like? - Its college life so of course you want to know about what to do when you’re not studying. However I really encourage prioritizing your social life with your academics. Get to know the day and night life off campus, not to mention go in groups to meet new people. Safety is key!

4.      Are their internships as well as jobs available for me? Especially for those who are already in college but are transferring this is a question for you. It will give you a leg up on your educational goals when you graduate. Internships paid or non-paid are gold especially if they are in your major. A lot of the times schools with have jobs and internships in departments for students. Or if you want a job on campus, get to know the career center.

5.      Financial aid questions-There are too many for me to put down. Ask as many questions as you want with this field. Such as scholarships, loans, grants, when your financial aid money gets to you, etc. this is a really important one so if you know you need financial aid do not be shy on asking too many questions.

6.      Is the campus safe? - For me when I came to my school this was the question I was asking every campus I visited. I knew I was going to live on campus and be taking a lot of night classes, so the school I choose had to be a safe one. A lot of schools have campus police than walk around or drive around campus to patrol. Also a lot of schools have emergency booths so if a student is not feeling safe, campus police will come to you to walk you were ever you need to go.

7.      What are the student organizations like?-If you’re already in a sorority and are transferring, it’s ok to get to know other organizations. Especially if your school does not have your sorority. Your alumni so this means you can join other clubs on campus. Now if there is your sorority on campus, you are still considered active (if you have not graduated) however when you go to chapter meetings you represent your chapter as well as the organization. If your confused on that contact the sorority’s archon of where you are transferring to, she will answer any questions or concerns you will have.

Best advice: Get to you’re the school you are visiting, such the teachers, campus, student organizations, food options etc.  If you applied to a lot of schools for fall, visit as many as you can. Visit them when your family and friends. Don’t be shy on asking questions, and have fun while you’re going on campus visits! I hope this piece has helped any of you who are considering to transfer to another school.