Homecoming and football aren’t the only events occurring on SUNY campuses in October! It’s also Open House season, which is similar to a SUNY college fair in that you are exposed to ample information about the school of your interest. However, it is also very different because it is actually on campus, so you can get a real sense of what it would be like to go there. That makes going to an open house very beneficial to you as a perspective or transfer student. Here’s some key reasons why you should consider making a visit to a campus open house.
Information sessions: These sessions give you tons of knowledge about various aspects of the school. You can learn about admissions information such as the average SAT score and GPA of accepted students or important financial aid material. You can get a general synopsis of the degree programs available-or sit in on major specific presentations to learn more about a particular program. This is also a great time to get any questions answered by important people who might be there such as the Dean of Admissions, the President of the School, or professors in your intended major.
Information Fair: Similar but unique from the info session, the fair allows you to walk around to various tables that highlight different academic departments and student organizations on campus. It’s a great opportunity to connect with potential professors or learn about interesting groups you could see yourself being a part of.
Campus Tours: Walk around and get a good feel for the campus. Tours are one of the best parts of going to college open houses. It’s your chance to find out if you could actually see yourself going to the school. Do you feel comfortable as you move around campus? Do you like the facilities? These are important questions to keep in the back of your mind. Also if you plan on living on campus, pay special attention to the tours of the dining and residence halls. They are places where you will be spending a lot of time in aside from your classes and you want to make sure they are to your liking.
Talking to Students: Engage with current students. Find out what they like or don’t like about campus. How do they like their classes or major? Do they live on or off campus? This is wonderful way to learn more about the campus and campus life, which you might not have gotten the chance to learn about otherwise.
You really have nothing to lose and everything to gain by going to a SUNY Open House. The wealth of information and insight will only benefit you when making your final decision of which school to attend.
