There is a Lot to Absorb During a Campus Visit so be Prepared
A campus visit can be exciting with a ton of things to see and do and it could be very easy to get overwhelmed with it all. The best way to keep your visit in perspective is to have some specific things in mind which you want to discover. Here are some ideas of things you might want to do on your campus visit.
Campus To-Dos
- Take a Campus Tour
- Sit in on a Class
- Check out the Dorms
- Be Sure to Get Off Campus
- Download our Campus Visit Checklist
Take a campus tour
Although campus tours are typically heavily orchestrated by the admissions department, there is no better way to get a quick overview and feel for the college. The tour will likely be led by an upper classman considered one of the school’s best and brightest. Do not expect to hear anything negative about the school from them at all.
As you’re walking around, imagine what the campus will be like year round. Will you have to do a lot of walking in the snow or cold during winter? Does it rain a lot and how might that affect your willingness to ride your bike to class?
Sit in on a class
Or two would be even better. Try to sit in on a lecture in a field that you might be studying while you’re there. Pay attention to the lecture size and attendance by the students. Then try to get in on a discussion class to see what the other side of the class structure is like. If you’re visiting a smaller campus, they probably won’t have the classes segmented into lecture and discussion so you may have more time to spend elsewhere.
Check out the dorms
If you choose this college, the dorms will most likely be your home for your first year so you had better know what you’re in for. What amenities are available? Are there places to study and relax? Is it too loud or too quiet for you?
Be Sure to Get Off Campus
Take a drive around town to get a feel for the surrounding area. Are there things for you to do off campus while you’re not studying?
Download our college visit checklist
Use the “to-do” list to cover your bases. Find a student, not on the tour, who might be willing to answer some of your questions. Rate your experience so you have solid information to compare this campus against the other colleges you might visit. This information will be invaluable when it comes time to decide where you will apply and ultimately attend.
NOTE: Parents, your student needs to take the lead on the campus visits. Let them do the talking.