JUNIORS:  

Spring is a great time to make college visits!  It is ideal, but not always possible, to go to a college when school is in session so that you can get a better idea what a day is like on the campus. Regardless, the sooner you get on a college campus the better so that you can decide exactly what you are looking for in the place you will call home 9 months out of the year.

With almost 4,800 colleges to choose from, take the time to decide what is important to you BEFORE you decide where to visit and DO NOT forget to make sure you selected colleges FIT you:

  • Academically

  • Financially

  • Socially

  • and Geographically

So let’s take a look at how to approach your future College Visits: 

Depending on your time and interest, plan one of the following 3 types of college visits:

Basic Visit

  1. This can be scheduled by going to the College Website and under admissions, there should be an option called “College Visit”.  In most cases, a calendar will pop up where you can see available dates to schedule your visit.
  2. Plan to attend an information session where you can ask questions about admissions, financial aid, and even choice of majors.
  3. IMPORTANT: Get a business card from an Admissions person.
  4. Do a college and dorm tour. What does the campus look like? Where do freshman live? What are the housing options?
  5. Eat a meal on campus.  Go to the dining hall or coffee shop and eat. Introduce yourself to some students and ask questions. You will be surprised at how much they want to share about their college.

Extended Visit

  1. Attend an information session. Ask questions about admissions, financial aid, and choice of majors.
  2. Meet with an admissions counselor. Learn more about special programs, what the college has to offer, admissions expectations, etc.
  3. IMPORTANT: Get a business card from an Admissions person.
  4. Meet with a Financial Aid counselor.  What types of financial aid or merit awards do they offer? Do your parents have any questions that need to be answered?
  5. Do a college and dorm tour. What does the campus look like? Where do freshman live? What are the housing options?
  6. Eat a meal on campus.  Go to the dining hall or coffee shop and eat. Introduce yourself to some students and ask questions. You will be surprised at how much they want to share about their college.
  7. Meet with an advisor for the major you are interested in. Learn more about the courses and professors in your selected field of study.
  8. Visit a class.  Seek permission to sit in on a class on campus.  This gives you a feel for what college will be like, and what it would feel like to be a student there.

Overnight Visit

  • Many colleges offer overnight or prospective students the chance to spend the night on campus to learn more about the school.
  • This is a great way to learn more in depth about academics and student life on campus.
  • These visits are usually organized by the college and include college tours, classes on campus, and the chance to stay in a college dorm with a college student host.

                     ***Overnight visits should be saved for colleges you are seriously interested in.

On Your Visit

As you do the college tour of the campus, ask yourself these questions.

  • Do I feel I would fit in academically here?
  • Would I fit in socially here?
  • Do I feel comfortable with the physical location?

Follow up your visit

  • Send an email to admissions or college representative (on the business card you picked up) as a thank you for the visit

Enjoy your visits as you discover which school fits you best!

Dan Bisig

Author / Speaker / College Admissions and Funding Expert

GuidedPath Edge Guru