Applying to Schools: Review Materials

School Resources/Facilities
Scan the material provided by the school for information about specialized facilities and programs.

• Are library, recreation and athletic facilities described in sufficient detail to give you an idea about their contribution to the school’s program?
• Does the school have theater, music, studio, and other art resources?
• What computer and laboratory facilities are available at the school?
• Does the school support student publications?
• Does the school sponsor social and other events?
• How does the school relate to the surrounding community?
• Does the school provide opportunities for or require student service in the community?

Student Activities
By reviewing the student activities offered, one can usually determine the various levels of student interests at the school.

• Are the activities and clubs noted relatively traditional (yearbook, newspaper, band, homecoming); exotic, such as flying or mountain climbing; or more on the artistic side, offering poetry, music, dance performances, etc.?
• Does the material present more athletic than extracurricular activity descriptions? What type and level of athletic competition is offered?

Rules and Regulations
It is a given that rules and regulations remain a part of any academic life; however, you may perceive such matters as dress codes, curfews, etc. as either toostringent or too relaxed and they may not meet your expectations. Although information concerning rules and regulations is generally reserved for the student handbook that is distributed at the time of matriculation, some schools will include this information in their catalog. If these issues are important to you, be sure to ask for the handbook or available written material. Student disciplinary procedures may also provide insight into the school.

Go to next topic: Reviewing School Materials (part 3).