• COLLEGE VISITS

     

    A great way to get more information about a college is to visit it in person.  Of course, visiting colleges may not be possible for everyone, but it’s a good idea to make the trips if you can.  It is the best way to determine whether a college is the right place for you.

     

    A visit can also give you a chance to talk to students, faculty, and financial aid and admission officers.  You can get answers to important questions, including:

     

    • What is the average class size and the student-to-faculty ratio? Are most classes taught by professors or by teaching assistants?
    • What is the campus meal plan like? How is the food? What are the options?
    • What is the makeup of the current freshman class? Is the campus fairly diverse?
    • What’s the social scene like? What kinds of activities are available?
    • Is there plenty of dorm space or is there a housing crunch?
    • How many students are commuters and how many are campus residents?

     

     

     

    College Setting: Rural, Suburban, and Urban Campuses

     

    • Rural campuses are located in the country, often near farms and wilderness areas, and usually near a small town.
    • Suburban campuses are in small cities, large towns, or residential areas near cities.
    • Urban campuses are located in cities.

     

     

     

    Campus Visit Checklist: How to make the most of your trip

     

    Visiting a college campus helps you get a sense of what a college – and life at college – is like.  This can help you decide whether the college is right for you.

     

    When planning your campus visits, make sure to allow time to explore each college.  While you’re there, talk to as many people as possible.  These can include college admission staff, professors, and students. Below are some other things you can do while visiting.  Note that some activities, such as meeting with an admission officer or staying overnight in a dorm, might need to be set up in advance.

     

             Gather Information

     

    Find out what you need to do to apply, and see if the college’s class and major offerings match up with your

    interests.

     

    • Take part in a group information session at the admission office.
    • Interview with an admission officer.
    • Pick up financial aid forms.
    • Sit in on a class that interests you. If classes aren’t in session, just see what the classrooms are like.
    • Meet a professor who teaches a subject that might interest you.
    • Talk to students about what they think of their classes and professors.
    • Get the names of the people you meet and their business cards so you can contact them later if you have questions.

     

             Explore the Campus

     

    Get a feel for student life and see if this college is a place where you will do well.

     

    • Take a campus tour.
    • Talk to current students about life on campus and the college.
    • Check out the freshmen dorms and stay overnight with a student, if possible.
    • Visit the dining hall, fitness center, library, career center, bookstore, and other campus facilities.
    • Talk to the coach of sports that you may want to play.
    • Walk or drive around the community surrounding the campus

     

             Check out Campus Media

     

    Tune in to learn what’s happening on campus and what’s on the students’ minds.

     

    • Listen to the college radio station.
    • Read the student newspaper.
    • Read other student publications, such as department newsletters, alternative newspapers, and literary reviews.
    • Scan bulletin boards to see what daily student life is like.
    • Go to the career center and learn what services it offers.
    • Browse the school’s website and any campus blogs.

     

             Questions to Ask During Your Visit

     

    Here are some questions you may want to ask your tour guide or students you meet on campus:

     

    • What is it like to go to high school from college?
    • What do you do in your free time? On the weekends?
    • What do you love about this college?
    • What do you wish you could change about this college?
    • Why did you choose this college?
    • What is it like to live here?

     

    When to Visit

     

    Visiting a college campus is one of the most exciting steps in choosing a college.  If possible, it’s best to

    visit colleges before your applications are due.  That way, you can be confident you’d be happy at any of the colleges you’re applying to.

     

    It’s also best to go when the college is in session.  That way, you’ll get to see it when classes are meeting and day-to-day activities are taking place.  Plan your visit in advance and make sure classes will be in session.

     

    Mondays through Thursdays are ideal for visits since campuses are generally in full swing.  Visiting on a Friday may not be as beneficial, as students, faculty and staff might be busy with social activities starting Friday afternoon.

     

    High school holidays that start on Mondays are often great opportunities for making college visits.  Many colleges are in session on these days – and you won’t be missing any of your high school classes.

     

    The spring of junior year is a good time if you’ve already researched colleges.  Spring break is also good if you plan to play fall sports or apply early action or early decision, as these deadlines usually fall in November of senior year.

     

    The late summer and early September before senior year are convenient times to visit, since many colleges begin their fall semester as early as mid-August.