The colorful tables in Northside’s cafeteria hallway may seem like just another obstacle to weave around in an already crowded space, but they’re actually an invaluable resource for Northside students. At these tables, college representatives lay out pamphlets, answer questions, and talk directly with students about their schools.

Northside is not the only high school that offers college rep visits. Throughout high schools around the country, different post secondary options will send representatives to advocate for their specific institutions. 

Senior Maggie Larson has visited three college representative tables during her time here at Northside, each of which representing a school she was considering applying to early decision. 

She was originally notified of these visits through a “combination of getting emails from the schools…and Ms. Noa’s emails.” 

Through SchooLinks, if you have a school added to your list of schools interested, the school is able to send you emails detailing when they will visit your school. 

Maggie said her goal was “to get a vibe [of the school.]” 

“I used basically the same questions for each school. How approachable are professors, what would you say students have in common, is it a diverse study body,” Maggie said. 

Maggie values her second question, what students at each school have in common, as she found that can be what sets similar colleges apart. “That question is my go to, to see what students at that school are like. All of these schools are good academically…I want to see what sets them apart and where I would fit in on a personal and social level.” 

She explained that she tries to ask these types of questions because most other questions can be answered by looking at college websites or touring the school. 

Senior Avi Detweiler has a different approach. Avi’s gone to over ten rep visits over the course of their junior and senior years, some of which they hadn’t heard of before the visit. Avi views each rep as “an expert,” saying there’s “no better time to ask questions.”

When asked if they go to rep visits with specific questions in mind, they said, “I have one or two in mind, especially if it’s a college I’ve heard of…it does make you look better if you have questions in mind, so I’ll usually have some…The curiosity [you have] about a school makes a positive impression.” 

Avi also had a unique approach to the types of questions to ask a rep. “At the end of the day that’s information you are trying to pull out of the schools, why distinctly should I choose you, that’s a good question. Make them tell you why you think they’re unique.” 

Avi, who is applying to mostly smaller liberal arts schools, explained how these schools especially value demonstrated interest. “It’s a more holistic review process [than larger schools]…They check if you’ve been to the rep visits.” 

Ms. Noa Soloman-Auger is the individual who reaches out to different post secondary options to schedule visits at Northside. Colleges can reach out to her as well. 

Ms. Noa described rep visits as a way “to informally learn more about [different programs]..especially our younger students to just use it as a way to test the waters and learn…about institutions that they maybe otherwise wouldn’t have considered and to learn more about what type of institution they want.” 

She also explained the difference in how students of varying grade levels can approach the visits in terms of preparing questions. “I think sophomores can totally roll in and receive the elevator pitch. For juniors and seniors, I recommend even five minutes of research prep.” This allows students to approach the reps with individualized questions about the school and make a good impression as well. 

“If a senior has already done their broad research, the elevator pitch isn’t going to be helpful, but specific information about a program…is going to be more helpful, and it’s going to help them stand out,” Ms. Noa said.

Ms. Noa says, “ if there are students that are feeling nervous…come talk to me!” Ms. Noa can be found in the first floor counselling office across from the main office.