College Planning Center

Welcome to the College Planning  Center for East High.  Here you will find information on College Representatives, College Visits, SAT and more!

Scholars should regularly access Naviance through their Clever account to review colleges, create and narrow down their college list, and create an online portfolio.  Naviance can be accessed up to three years after a student graduates!  Junior year is the time to start creating college lists, preparing for trade school, preparing for ASVAB (military enlistment) or preparing full time employment.    

Getting Started Guide for College Planning (printable version)

College Representatives’ Visits
Representatives from colleges and universities all over the area visit East each year to meet with students and counselors. Juniors and seniors are encouraged to meet with the representatives to gain first-hand information about the schools and to express their interest in the school. These visits typically take place in the cafeteria. Students are advised to dress in nice slacks, a skirt or an appropriate outfit for the meeting.

Students are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities when they are presented at our school.  A schedule is shared with students of dates and times.  

The Campus Visit
The college visit is an opportunity to see how an institution fits your individual selection criteria. This is one of the most important steps in the college search and selection process. After you have selected a group of possible college choices, it is a good idea to visit these schools. Being physically present on a campus is the most direct way to learn about the school. It is important that parents and student visit together. Each will have a different perspective, and when the visit is over, the family can discuss what they saw and their opinions. Remember: the student will be the one attending the college, but the parent must be comfortable with the choice.

Before visiting a college, make an appointment by calling the school’s admissions office. It is important to have a formal tour of the campus, as schools can look alike and the tour gives each school its own special feeling. Make sure you know the times for the tours and the starting or meeting place for the tour.

Ask if the admissions office offers individual interviews or group sessions and schedule one. This allows you to get more information about the school and can give you a chance to meet the people who will decide on your application. Allow about half a day to see a campus.  Make sure you notify the attendance office that you are attending a college visit and bring back the appropriate documentation.

Checklist for the Campus Visit

• Call ahead to find out times of tours and register if necessary.

• Talk to students; they are friendly and a terrific source of information.

• Visit classes, especially if you have a specific interest.

• Try out the food; eating in the dining hall or student center lets you taste the fare and see what the students look like.

• Visit the student center, the snack bar, and bookstore, and read the student newspaper. (Students who wear the school logo are telling you they like their school.)

• Go inside the dorms.

• Ask questions.

• Meet with a financial aid representative if you have questions about costs.

• Discuss your chances for success and ask yourself the most important question, “Will I be happy here?”

The College Interview
Colleges and universities have different policies about college interviews. At some schools they are required, at some they are optional, and others offer group sessions only or no interview at all. No matter what the meeting is called, it is a chance to present yourself to the school and put your best foot forward. If you are interviewing, knowledge of yourself and the institution will allow you to interview with confidence.

Guidelines For An Interview 

 Be prompt.

• Be neat; appropriate dress makes a good impression.

• Be prepared with some questions to ask.

• Answer all questions asked honestly and to the best of your ability. Stop and think before you answer and watch out for “Ums” and “Ahs.”

• Be yourself.

• Try to relax.

• Make eye contact when you speak and be energetic. The admissions person does not want to bore you.

• Make sure you write down the name and address of the interviewer to mail a thank-you note.