Campus Visits

You wouldn't purchase an investment without first doing research; you would make sure that there was a good probability that it would pay off well in the end. College also is an investment, an investment in your future. You want to make sure that you choose the one that best meets your needs. The best way to judge a college is by actually going there for a campus visit. Just as you wouldn't pick an investment based on a picture in a brochure, you shouldn't pick a college based on what it looks like on the website, etc.

Students should start planning college visits during the end of their junior year of high school. Take full advantage of the summer months off from school to visit the schools you are considering. Some families even plan their summer vacations around their child's college visits. College visits during the summer can help you narrow down your list so you can plan follow-up visits during the fall to the schools you are serious about.

A campus visit will help you get a feel for what the college is really like. You can see the campus in action, attend a class, and talk to other students. A campus filled with thousands of students in the fall will have a completely different look and feel than that same school in the summer, when classes are slim or not in session.

Call the admissions office at least a week before you want to visit. Schools handle campus visits differently. They may schedule you for an Open House or large group tour or they may give you an option for a private, personal tour of the campus. Most schools will accommodate individual requests to view a certain facility, meet with faculty or attend a class. Ask these details when you make the initial call so you can get the maximum benefit from your visit. Here are some other things to do on your campus visit:

Take a Tour

A traditional campus tour includes: the athletic facilities, the campus bookstore, classrooms/lecture halls, dining facilities, dorms, libraries and the student center. To get the most out of your tour, bring along specific questions for each of these areas. If you already know your major, ask to see the facilities in which you will be spending most of your time. Visit the school at least once when classes are in session, if possible.

Talk to Some Students

The best way to accurately judge a college is to talk to some of the students that are enrolled there. They will be able to give you insight into specifics that aren't mentioned in the brochure or on your tour. (i.e. What is there to do on the weekend? What do they like/dislike about this school?)

Pick Up and Read a Student Newspaper

The campus newspaper is a valuable resource for information about the school that you may not hear anywhere else.

Ask Questions

You won't know unless you ask. There are no stupid questions.

Take Pictures

Bring a digital camera and take pictures of your favorite things on campus. These pictures may help remind you of your experience after other visits and help you narrow your options.

Eat on Campus

Most tours will include a meal at one of the dining facilities on campus. If not, you should still try to eat on campus. Most students have to rely on the on-campus eating options during at least their freshman year. If you hate the food, it could be a long year.

Attend a Class

Ask the admissions office if you can attend a class. Talk with the teacher after class if possible. This will help you get a feel about the college class environment and curriculum.

Go In With an Open Mind

Don't make up your mind about a school before you get there. Your "dream" school may not be that great in person. That school at the bottom of your list may be the one that fits your needs the best.

Fill Out a Post-visit Evaluation

If you are visiting a number of colleges, you probably want to write down your first impressions after a visit. After three or four different visits, schools may start to blur together in your mind. A written evaluation will help you remember what you did or did not like about each school.

The College Interview

If you have an interview scheduled along with your tour, make sure you arrive on time. Research the college before you go so that you can develop questions and potential answers ahead of time. Be confident and "sell" yourself to the interviewer. Resist the urge to list accomplishments off of a resume. They want to know who you are and what makes you stand out from the crowd.

Final Visits

When you have narrowed down your college choices to two or three schools, you may want to schedule additional visits to those schools. A final visit may help you narrow down your list even further and make an informed decision.