Get the Most from Your Campus Visit
By Don Rauf
Since most students and parents have limited time when they do visit, here are 10 ways to get the most from your tour.
Viewbooks and websites can give you an idea of what a particular college is like, but unless you spend some time on campus, you can’t get the complete picture.
1. Get your parents involved. There’s a good chance your parents want to check out schools as much as you do, and their advice can be very helpful. Work with them to plan a trip during which you can visit several campuses. (Okay, so maybe it’s not exactly the awesome road trip you’ve always dreamed of, but traveling with your parents can still be fun!)
2. Plan ahead. Don’t just show up and expect college officials to show you around. Call admission offices first and find out when tours are scheduled. Ask about group sessions as well—questions from other parents and students can be very enlightening. Also, arrange your visits when school is in session. Seeing students and classes in full swing will give you a better sense of the environment.
3. Dress appropriately. Sure, you want to be comfortable, but it’s always a good idea to look neat and well-groomed so you’ll make a favorable impression on any admission counselors you might meet. Also, don’t forget to consider the weather. For example, if you’re from Los Angeles and are visiting New Hampshire in October you’ll want
to trade your tank top for a sweater.
4. Do your homework. Learn as much as you can about each school before you visit. Then write down any questions you have and bring them with you. To make sure you don’t miss anything,
create your own checklist of facilities or features that are important to you—the library, dorms, labs, athletic facilities, or performing arts venues, for example—and be sure to check each one out during your visit. Leave room on your list to jot down your impressions. Your notes will be helpful later when you’re weighing your final choices.
5. Try it—you might like it! While you’re on campus, have lunch at a dining hall or a snack at the student center. Find out if you can sit in on a course that interests you. If you’re a sports fan, catch a game and root for the home team. Some colleges also offer overnight stays for students who want to explore the atmosphere and activities in more depth; ask an admission rep if this is an option.
6. Talk to students. To get the real deal on what a school is like, go to the source. Mike Frantz, vice president of enrollment services at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, suggests asking current students questions like these:
• How much time do you spend studying every day?
• What are the professors like, and how do you interact with them?
• Why did you choose this college?
• What have you done the last three weekends?
• What do you like most about the school? Least?
• Are you happy here? Why or why not?
7. Have an eye for safety. Make sure you’ll feel secure in your new home. Research crime statistics and ask about security measures for dorms and other buildings. Look for campus call boxes, fire alarms, and outdoor lighting. (For more on campus safety, see “Safety at School: The New State of Campus Security” on page 24.)
8. Do the town. Part of the fun of going to college is getting to know a new town or city. When you visit a campus, take time to check out the local restaurants, parks, and museums. Are banks and grocery stores close to campus? Is public transportation available? You may even want to check what major employers are in the area if you’re thinking of future employment or internship opportunities.
9. Schedule an interview. Many colleges don’t require an interview, but a face-to-face meeting with a counselor can help you and admission staff members decide if the school is a good match for you. You might also want to bring copies of your transcript and a list of activities so an admission officer can better evaluate you.
10. Review, reflect, and reply. When you get home, go over your notes and jot down your positive and negative impressions about each school. Send off a quick thank-you note or e-mail to any campus officials who helped you.
When you’ve had some time to reflect on your visits, picture yourself on each campus and ask yourself which one seems like the best fit. With any luck, your visits will lead you to a perfect match!
Don Rauf is a contributing editor for Careers & Colleges magazine.
2009
