How valuable are college rep visits to high schools?

College reps are visiting my high school this semester and I’m wondering how much of an edge attending these sessions can give me. Is there anyone who felt that attending a visit impacted their admissions favorably? Should I prepare questions or is it more of a listen-and-learn situation?

Attending college rep visits at your high school can be quite beneficial. It's an opportunity to make a memorable impression and demonstrate interest, which some colleges track and consider when evaluating applications. Have a few thoughtful questions prepared that can't be easily answered by a quick glance at the school's website. For instance, ask about specific programs or how the college integrates real-world experiences into the curriculum. While the Q&A portion is your primary chance to engage, be attentive and take notes during the session; it shows you're serious and can help you write more personalized essays later on.

Remember, though, that these visits are just one component of a much larger application process. Focus on maintaining strong grades, pursuing meaningful extracurriculars, and crafting compelling essays. Those application elements will have a much bigger impact on your admissions chances than interaction during a high school visit. However, using these visits as chances to learn more about the schools you are interested can only help in the long run!