How do you know if it’s the right “fit”? Do you ever purchase anything without trying it on or seeing a preview? Odds are probably not, because we have that luxury and we want to know what we are committing ourselves to. So why should your college choice be any different?
All too often students end up unhappy with their choice because they made rash decisions or limited their visits. The stakes are too high to treat your campus visit as a joke.
Follow the 4 tips below, then download our full College Visit Checklist to ensure you are getting the most out of your college visit!
1. EARLY BIRD GETS THE WORM
Start planning early: spring of your junior year. Get first-hand exposure to the schools on your list. Keep your options open and make sure to choose a variety of campus environments. Do your best to schedule while school is in session so you can see the campus at its liveliest.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Where is my ideal location? Urban or rural based campus?
- What size school is best for me? 50,000 undergraduates or 1,800?
- How much does this cost? Scholarship opportunities?
- Does the school serve my academic and professional interests?
- Public or private?
2. UPGRADE YOUR TOUR
First class … yes please! To maximize your tour, supplement it with some additional appointments and capitalize on all of the resources you have available to you. If you have an idea about what you might major in, seek out the chairperson or a professor in the department. If you have questions about funding and scholarships, meet with a financial aid officer. Or explore the social scene and find student organizations that interest you.
Attend a class.
Meet with a professor.
Meet with an admission officer.
Meet with a financial aid officer.
Attend a club meeting or a sports practice session.
Spend the night in a residence hall.
3. GO OFF THE BEATEN PATH
A traditional campus tour is always recommended. We want you to look at the student union, gym, library and residence halls ... after all, you will be spending quite a bit of time there. Under no circumstances should you visit a campus and only take the traditional tour. After the admissions office spiel, do a behind-the-scenes look for yourself.
Find the spots on campus where students gather; hang out there and make new friends who can tell you what it’s really like to be a college student at NYU or Penn State that isn’t part of the admissions script. Interacting with current students will often provide you a better feel for the character of the student body and the culture of the school. Walk the extra mile and get the complete picture of the campus.
4. REFLECT
You will thank yourself if you take 10 minutes after each visit to write down your thoughts. Trust us … after about three college visits, your experiences will start to become a blur, leaving you with a blend of tour group buzzwords (Safety! Study abroad! Scholarships!) rather than a grasp of what each school is really like behind the glossy pamphlets. A quick list of pros and cons and a few photos, or notes about something you enjoyed that created a feeling of “home," can make a huge difference.
Take in the atmosphere and ask yourself if you could see yourself eating in the union with your roommate or studying at the library before a big exam. Not feelin’ it? Don’t brush aside that gut reaction—add it to your list of pros and cons.
Have fun! It’s your college experience, time, and education. Allow yourself to get excited about what lies ahead, and make the most of it!
Remember, before scheduling your first campus tour, make sure to download our full College Visit Checklist for everything you need to know to make the most of your college visits!
Have questions or need help with your college list? Contact us by email or by calling the office at (724) 745-0305. We're always happy to help!
Brandy Orlando, College Planning Specialist
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