Effective College Visit Planning

Get an authentic feel for each campus you visit

Campus visits contribute to making an informed decision about applying to or attending a given school. These trips can be costly and time-consuming, so it makes sense to get the most out of them. Simply showing up for the standard tour and presentation may provide a limited view of what a school truly has to offer—both advantages and disadvantages. To get a genuine sense of a school's culture, student engagement, and opportunities, it's helpful to go beyond the basics and plan your visit thoroughly.

The Campus Tour: A Good Starting Point

Standard college tours and presentations typically highlight the main attractions of a campus, showcasing its facilities, academic programs, and student life. While these tours provide a useful overview, they are polished marketing presentations designed to impress and attract students. To make the most out of campus visits, students and their families should take time to look under the hood and seek out unscripted conversations.

Engage with the Campus Community

To get an authentic feel for a college, it's important to experience the community beyond a guided tour. If possible, explore the campus with an enrolled student who is willing to provide their individual assessment of the institution’s strengths and weaknesses. Visit a library, spend time in student common areas, and ask about public transportation and/or student parking. Observe the campus atmosphere and assess whether it aligns with your preferences.

Consider reaching out to student organizations or arranging to meet with students in your areas of interest. Ask them about their experiences, the academic rigor, the social environment, and any challenges they’ve faced. These candid conversations can provide a nuanced understanding of the college.

Attend Classes and Events

Sitting in on a class can be an eye-opening experience. It allows you to observe the teaching style, class size, and level of student engagement. Contact the admissions office ahead of time to see if they can arrange for you to attend one or two classes that interest you. Look for campus events such as lectures, performances, or club meetings that are open to prospective students. Participating in these activities can give you a better sense of the intellectual and cultural life on campus.

Explore Academic Resources

Meeting with faculty members and academic advisors can offer insights into the academic support and opportunities available at the college. Schedule appointments with a professor in your potential area of concentration or with academic advisors to discuss curriculum, research opportunities, and internship placements. Understanding the school’s resources and support systems can help you gauge whether the college will meet your needs.

Ahead of your visit, determine whether or not it may be possible to participate in an admissions interview as long as the student is well-prepared for a discussion with an admissions officer.

Evaluate Student Services and Facilities

A comprehensive college visit should also include an evaluation of student services and facilities. Visit the career services center to learn about job placement rates and internship opportunities. Check out the health center, dining halls, and residence halls to ensure they meet your expectations.

Find out how easy or difficult it is to enroll in the courses required for your anticipated degree program. How available or limited is student housing? Campus administration, services, and facilities play a significant role in an overall college experience and individual well-being.

Reflect

During your visit, take detailed notes about your observations and interactions. After leaving campus, spend some time thinking back on your experience. Consider how the campus felt, the interactions you had, and whether you can envision yourself thriving there. Comparing your notes from different college visits can help you decide on a school once acceptances are received.

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