Any Time is a Good Time: The value of a campus visit cannot be overstated. The chance to walk the bricks, project yourself into spaces, see and hear the people with whom you would have the chance to live and learn- none of these things are possible through the viewing of a video tour. So valuable in fact are campus visits, that any time is a good time to go, provided you manage your expectations regarding the kinds of information you will collect. One needs to anticipate fewer students and faculty on campus during spring and winter breaks, for instance, but the buildings will still be there to help shape your sense of the physical space and a tireless admission office staff will likely be ready to welcome you at the campus threshold. 

Yes, Summer Too: The summer season, contrary to popular belief, is an excellent time to explore the prospective colleges that are of interest to you. Students are free of the concerns associated with missed class time, extracurricular responsibilities are few and, more generally, families are ready to go!

What To Do: Take advantage of formal programming options including campus tours, information sessions, and open house events. Talk to people, ask questions, be friendly, and take notes. If your college swing includes a number of stops, your experiences will begin to run together. Maintaining a visit journal can help you organize your observations. An on-campus visit is an opportunity for you to experience first-hand what it is like to be a student at a college. Eat in a dining hall, people watch on the campus green, and explore the local town. A visit is also a chance for you to make connections with people who may have some hand in the review of your application. Remember that first impressions are important, confidence and maturity are impressive, and sending thank you notes to those with whom you've had the opportunity to talk are appreciated.

Making the Most of Your Time: "What kinds of questions should I ask?" We hear this a lot from rising seniors. The complete answer is unique for each student, but certain types of questions help a student cut to the heart of a campus's personality and culture better than others. Steer clear of anything that results in a "yes" or "no," avoid questions that have answers easily found on a campus website, and seek discussion which allows the person with whom you are speaking to share memories and anecdotes from personal experience.  The list of questions below is a great start!

In the event that we can help as you plan your summer visits, don't hesitate to reach out!

Questions to Make a Good Visit Great:

1. Can you tell me about a few campus traditions that shape student culture?
2. Do you have a favorite location on campus? Why?
3. What are some of the campus issues around which the student body rallies?
4. Is the academic environment here competitive or collaborative?
5. What was it about (insert campus name) that told you you would be happy and successful here as a student/teacher?
6. What kind of student is most at home on (insert campus name) campus?
7. Can you tell me about two or three recent headlines from your campus newspaper?
8. What types of opportunities exist for undergraduate research?
9. How would a typical freshman engage with your Career Services office?
10. What is a typical day in the life of a student like?
11. What is the social scene like here on campus and in the local town/city/community?
12. Do people go home on weekends? Is there a lot "to do?

 

We are pleased to announce that many Norfolk Academy student-athletes in the Class of 2019 have committed to participate in college varsity athletics.  There are a total of 19 student-athletes who will compete in 9 different sports at the NCAA level.   Our Bulldogs have navigated the recruiting process and have found the perfect college “fit” that blends academic, athletic and social needs for each particular student-athlete.  A tremendous amount of hard work and dedication has paid off and they are excited to begin a new chapter in their athletic career.

Thank you to our student-athletes for representing our school and making us proud.  We look forward to following your collegiate athletic career over the next four years. 

Norfolk Academy ‘19 Committed Student-Athletes by the Numbers:
19: Number of student-athletes who have committed to play in college.
12: Number of committed college athletes that played two or more sports for NA.
9: Number of different sports that NA students will play in college.
7: Number of student-athletes that will compete at the Division 1 level.
6: Number of “3- sport” student-athletes at Norfolk Academy committed to play a sport in college.
4: Number of college mascots that are birds (Hokies, Blue Jays, Eagles, Owls).
3: Number of colleges where more than 1 student-athlete is attending.
2: Number of student-athletes that will travel over 700 miles to college. (Bates)

Here is the complete list of the committed student-athletes and their destinations:

David Byler                           Football                     Hampden-Sydney College
Grace Cornbrooks              Field Hockey            College of William and Mary
Holly Cromwell                    Field Hockey            Dartmouth College
Balthazar Denk                    Diving                        New York University
Maiya Foleck                       Sailing                        Christopher Newport University
Lily Hackbirth                       Tennis                        Virginia Tech
Brendan Kastner                Baseball                     Hamilton College
Madison Kirkman               Crew                          University of Tennessee
Sydney LeGuillow               Field Hockey            Hofstra University
Jabril Lewis                           Football                     Hampden-Sydney College
Cameron Lloyd                    Track                          College of the Holy Cross
Peyton McNider                 Crew                          Temple University
Emme Pike                           Swimming                 Bates College
Callie Poole                          Field Hockey            University of Mary Washington
Landon Porter                     Baseball                     Hampden-Sydney College
Spencer Ryan                      Swimming                 Johns Hopkins University
Emma Somers                     Track                         Johns Hopkins University
Paul Southern                     Swimming                 Bates College
Peyton Tysinger                  Field Hockey            Washington and Lee University

Go ‘Dogs!

Coach Monninger

Norfolk Academy’s College Counseling Coordinator for Student Athletes