Networking is a valuable skill that can open doors to new opportunities, knowledge, and mentorship. For high school students, establishing connections with current college students, professors, and administrators can provide insights into college life, academics, and career paths. This process enhances their confidence and networking skills, which can be instrumental in securing recommendation letters, finding internships, and exploring job opportunities. Here’s a guide on how to effectively network with college students, what to ask, and how to translate that networking into better applications.
1. How to Get in Touch with College Students
Cold emailing, while the default outreach method, often results in a low response rate and unproductive conversations. Students are far better served using “warm” methods of communication, like:
Use Social Media:
- LinkedIn: Create a professional profile and search for college students from your desired universities. Send a personalized connection request mentioning why you’d like to connect.
- Instagram and Twitter: Follow college students who share content about their university life. Engage with their posts and send a respectful direct message expressing your interest in learning more about their experiences.
- Facebook Groups: Join groups related to colleges you’re interested in. Participate in discussions and reach out to active members.
College Forums and Websites:
- Reddit: Subreddits like r/college and university-specific subreddits can be great places to find and connect with current students.
- College Confidential: Engage in forums where prospective students and current college students discuss various aspects of college life.
Alumni Networks and School Events:
- High School Alumni Network: Reach out to alumni who are currently attending colleges you’re interested in. They can offer first-hand advice and introductions.
- College Fairs and Open Houses: Attend events organized by colleges and universities. Engage with student representatives and exchange contact information.
2. What to Ask College Students
In crafting your question list, it’s important to remember that college students don’t typically justify every minor choice they make in their lives. “Why did you major in math?” may get you an answer, but the honest truth will likely be because it was a relatively off-the-cuff decision. As a result, it’s important to keep your questions open ended, allowing the conversation to flow naturally.
We recommend having 2 to 3 questions prepared, focusing on the aspects of college experience that you are most interested in. Finding a student on LinkedIn can often help you focus your questions towards topics that will instigate productive conversations. Once you find a thread where the conversation flows naturally, it’s usually best to ask follow ups and double down on that topic. Here are some key questions to consider when starting your networking conversation.
Academic Life:
- What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your academic experience?
- How do you manage your workload and stay organized?
- Are there any professors or courses that you highly recommend?
Campus Life:
- What is the campus culture like?
- How do you balance academics with extracurricular activities?
- Are there any clubs or organizations you suggest joining?
Career and Internship Opportunities:
- What kind of internship opportunities are available for students?
- How does the college support students in finding internships and jobs?
- Have you had any internship experiences you can share?
Advice for Incoming Students:
- What do you wish you had known before starting college?
- Any tips for making the transition from high school to college smoother?
- How can incoming students best prepare themselves for college life?
3. Navigating Relationships with College Professors and Administrators
Your networking should never end with college students. Writing a “Why School” essay about a call with a student won’t cause you to stand out to admissions officers. However, building deeper relationships can allow you to network up the food chain on campus, eventually putting you into contact with people who might substantially influence your chances of admission.
Building Relationships with College Students:
- Follow-Up: Stay in touch with the college students you connect with. Express gratitude for their time and advice, and keep them updated on your progress. This approach enables you to turn a single conversation into a lasting, mutually rewarding relationship.
- Ask for Introductions: Once you’ve established a good rapport, ask if they can introduce you to other students, professors or administrators who might be willing to answer your questions.
Attending College Events:
- Lectures and Seminars: Attend public lectures and seminars hosted by colleges. These events are great opportunities to meet professors and administrators.
- Webinars and Virtual Tours: Participate in virtual events organized by universities. Engage actively and ask thoughtful questions.
Direct Outreach:
- Email Professors: Ask for a well-crafted intro email to professors whose work interests you. Mention how you found their contact information, why you’re interested in their research or courses, and ask if they would be willing to answer a few questions.
Leverage High School Resources:
- Guidance Counselors: Your school’s guidance counselors may have connections with college faculty and staff. Ask if they can facilitate an introduction.
- Alumni Network: Utilize your high school’s alumni network to get in touch with college professors and administrators through alumni who are currently attending or have graduated from those colleges.
4. Try Admyssion to Skip the Line!
If networking with college students doesn’t interest you, you can use Admyssion’s platform to directly book one-on-one sessions with college professors, allowing you to skip the process of networking entirely. Talking with professors can help you refine your academic achievements, write tailored “Why School” essays, and prove your demonstrated interest in a unique way.
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