As fall rolls in, many Cretin-Derham Hall seniors are deep in the chaos of college apps, frantically checking off boxes and trying to figure out their dream school. With decision deadlines creeping up, the pressure is real! But here’s a tip: college visits organized by the Cretin-Derham Hall counseling office are a fantastic way to get a clearer picture of what you want in a college and help narrow down your choices.
These visits kicked off in early September and will keep coming throughout the fall. Whether you’re a junior or even a curious sophomore, these talks offer a great head start on figuring out what kind of college experience fits you. Do you like the idea of big full-of-parties universities or a smaller cozy campus vibe? Are you set on a major, or still exploring options? Each visit lasts about 30-45 minutes and can include anything from a Q&A session to a full presentation on what each school has to offer.
Furthermore, not only are you exploring your options, but the college reps are also looking for students that fit their schools. It is almost a mutual exchange—they’re pitching their campuses to you while scouting potential students who match their programs. They’ll cover every topic, from the application process and tuition to campus life, academics, and financial aid.
I’ve talked to a few friends who’ve attended these sessions, and they all say the same thing: it’s a great way to get real-time answers to your questions and learn more from someone directly connected to the school. Oh, and you also get to skip class for a bit!
I myself have been to two visits so far: Miami University of Ohio and Boston University. Both visits helped me better understand the schools even more, and now I am applying to both of them this fall.
Finally, one of our college counselors, Laura Nelson, has the following inside scoop on these meetings: college visits are organized by her and Mr. Reynolds, who reached out through seminars and portals to get Cretin-Derham Hall on the radar of various colleges. During these sessions, students can expect to learn about the schools with sufficient time to ask questions. Nelson shared that she prefers this format as it allows students to “ask questions more organically rather than emailing admissions officers”. One drawback, though, is that the visits are held during class time, which can be tough if you have a test or other obligations, but materials are saved by the counseling office and available upon request.
So, whether you’re just starting your college search or putting the final touches on your applications, take advantage of these visits—they’re here to help!
