It Is A Beautiful Time Of Year For A College Campus Visit.
It is starting to look like spring. The first daffodils are popping up, and high school juniors are really starting to think about applying to college next year. Many juniors are starting to visit some college campuses. Here are some things to be aware of when planning your visits:
1) Always try and book an official tour and information session.
2) Schedule an interview time if you want to interview in person. These days many colleges are interviewing virtually. I prefer our students to interview virtually in the fall because at that point they have written their applications and really have their “elevator pitches” down pat. That said, some students are more comfortable in person so if that is you, book your interview to save you from having to return in the fall. Not all colleges will offer interviews, but if they do, you need to interview. I say "need" even if it is not required because it shows great demonstrated interest. If you do an interview please prepare beforehand. Practice with your parents or a friend. Also, have some questions ready to ask your interviewer.
3) If you do not have an interview scheduled, try and reach out to your admissions rep to tell them you are coming to campus. Ask if they possibly have a few minutes to speak with you and answer some questions. Then come up with some appropriate questions. Write them down so you do not get nervous and forget them. Establishing a relationship with your admissions rep is a GREAT way to show demonstrated interest. If you do not connect with your rep or do not get an official tour or information session but still decide to visit somewhere, please at a minimum stop by the admissions office and sign in. It is important for a college to know that you have made the effort to visit.
4) Is there a particular major or extracurricular that you are interested in? Reach out to a professor for a certain class or the head of the club you like. Maybe you can meet with them or sit in on a class while you are on campus. Maybe you like a certain sport and have time to watch a game. If food is very important to you, maybe the college allows outsiders to eat in the dining hall. It is a great way to check out current students and see how good the food is.
5) Don’t be afraid to stop and ask current students questions. Mom and Dad, sometimes it is helpful if you do this for your child. I know it is not always “cool”, but it is usually a very valuable way to get information. Is the food good? Are the dorms nice? How hard is it to get the classes you want? Is the campus overcrowded? Are students living in triples and are students waiting in line, for an excessively long time, to eat in the dining hall? Let the conversation take you anywhere. Asking for directions is always a great way to start a conversation.
6) Make sure to explore not just the campus, but the surrounding community as well. Check out College Scoops and College Trips and Tips for ideas on what to see and where to eat.
7) Take out time to explore any other colleges that might be close by. You never know when you will like something totally different than what you expected.
8) Most importantly take notes on every college you see. Keep your top priority questions in mind when you do this. You do not have to write things down while you are in the middle of your tour but when you sit down for lunch or get back in your car jot down a few notes on your phone. It will help you to remember what you liked and did not like about each college. You will also really appreciate having those notes when you have to write your “why us?” supplement for that college.