SchoolFinder Blog

6 Things to Remember on a College Visit

Now is the time of year that high school seniors will narrow down their college list and make plans for a campus visit.  The first trip to a favorite college can be a little over whelming. There are several things you can do to prepare for your trip.

1. Research the College.  Take a look at their website.  What interest you about the campus?  Does the college offer the area of study you are interested in?  The number of students a college has should also be a consideration.  Do you want to be a part of a large or small student body?

2. Schedule a Guided Tour.  Make an appointment with the college to take a tour.  The tour guide, usually a current student, will give you an over view of the campus.  this is a great way to see the high points, but it is also a good idea to walk around on your own.  Drive around the outskirts of the campus, to see where you will be shopping or eating out.

3. Take a Camera.  After several college visits, your memory may get a little fuzzy.  Take pictures of the campus highlights.  Once back home the pictures will help refresh your memory as well as help in comparing the schools on your lists.

4. Ask Questions and Take Notes.  Make a list of questions you might want to ask your tour guide. He/She will be able to provide you a student’s perspective. Be prepared to jot the answers down. Your notes can be placed with your snap shots to help you in your decision making.  It is also a good idea to make a note of how you feel while on campus. Can you see yourself as a student here?

5. Walk the Campus at Night.Most people just visit the campus during the day.  If possible, stay around after dark.  Take a look around at the campus lighting; are walk ways and parking lots well lit?  Look to see if you can locate security call boxes.  Is the campus busy and alive  in the evening hours?

6. Write a Thank-You Note. It is a good idea to write a thank-you note to the tour guide and the admission’s department. Everyone likes to feel appreciated. In the The Last Lecture written by Randy Pausch, he explains how an applicant’s college admissioon came down to the thank-you note she had written after a visit.

Remember the college you choose will be your home for the next four years. By getting the most out of the college visits, you will be prepared for the big decision.