Make the Most of Campus Visits

One of the best ways to determine if a college is right for you is to visit the campus and see how it feels. While a college's reputation is important in making your decision, it is also very important that the environment suits you. Only you can decide if a particular college is the best fit for you. When visiting campus, there are many pieces of information to gather. Planning ahead will make campus visits flow smoothly and allow you to get all the information you want.

When to Visit
The best time to do this is when the campus is active. You'll want to talk with other students, meet with advisers, and perhaps attend a class or two. You should also visit the housing office if you plan to live on campus. If you plan to live off campus, then you should use this time to explore options.

Don't plan to visit:

• During college spring break
  
• During winter break (Christmas through New Year's Day)
  
• The day before or after Thanksgiving
• Final or mid-term exam weeks
  
• Reading days
• During the first week of the semester

Monday through Thursday is the best time to find a campus in full swing. Some colleges offer structured programs on Fridays and Saturdays. Do some research ahead of time so you know what you want to see and who you want to meet with. Make appointments!

Get the Most from the Experience

Do:

• Call ahead and schedule an appointment with the visitors' office or your planned program of study. This will ensure that you are expected and that the people you need to see have set aside time for you. Most offices will do their best to accommodate drop-ins, but it's in your best interest to plan ahead. Many offices will assist you in developing an itinerary for your visit.


• Ask if there are regularly scheduled sessions for visitors; these often provide tours of facilities and opportunities to meet with current students.


• Visit colleges under serious consideration before the acceptance letters are sent out so you have enough time to fully evaluate each campus. Visiting during your junior year of high school can help you determine where you really want to apply.


• Have a list of questions that you want answered and make notes of other items that come up during meetings. This give you a good data set for comparisons once you get home. Need some help? Here's a list to get you started.

Don't

• Drop in late on Fridays or just before holidays when staff is likely to be at a minimum.


• Let your parents do all the talking. You are the one that will be enrolled.


• Make assumptions based on what your currently enrolled friends have told you. They are often new to the system and might not be experts on your intended major.
  


• Assume that the answers will be the same at all institutions. Ask questions.


• Be afraid to ask why you should attend this college rather than your other choices. You will often learn some very useful facts.
  

Final Assessment

Does this seem like a place where you would be comfortable and happy for the next four years? Does the campus seem welcoming or overwhelming? Is the setting a good fit for your preferences and personality? Does it offer extracurricular opportunities that are important to you? Is it financially feasible?

Your academic success and your personal well-being will depend on your answers to these questions. A campus visit is the best way to gather the information you need to succeed.