Last year, students were allowed two days during their school year to tour colleges without the absences counting against them–something that is a huge concern for those hoping to be exempt from semester exams. This year, however, the absences will start to affect attendance.

This is unfair to seniors who are looking at multiple, or possibly out of state colleges. It takes more than a few hours to get out of state, see the college and accomplish enough to develop an impression of the school and the drive back home.

Most colleges have multiple events throughout the school year that they encourage prospective and admitted students to attend – and they aren’t always during the weekend. It’s not fair to penalize seniors for planning to pursue a higher education.

While it’s understandable that the schools want students in class for attendance purposes, the grades should also play a part in the days allowed for each student and the circumstances need to be accounted for. If a straight ‘A’ student needs a few days to go visit a college and hasn’t had discipline or attendance issues in the past, then it shouldn’t be a problem, as long as the student provides the proper documentation.

The administration needs to take into account the specific student and the reason they want to visit a college. If there are no previous problems with a student’s behavior or attendance, then their desire to take a few days should not count against their attendance–something that could possibly cost them exam exemptions.

College days should not be a strict policy with no room for exceptions. Each student is different and the schools and administration should take into account the students grades and past discipline record before determining the days they’re eligible to take.