Tips for Campus Visits
Students' junior and senior years are the best times for students to visit colleges. Spring vacation is a good time for juniors to begin the process. Here are some tips to help students in their planning:
- Try to visit when the college is in session.
- Call the admission office at least a couple of weeks prior to your visit to inquire about campus tours and the advisability of scheduling an interview particularly if you plan to apply.
- Limit each trip to no more than four colleges or you'll be overwhelmed with information.
- Remember to notify the attendance office one week in advance of your absence.
- Because the purpose of the visit is to help you find a comfortable college "fit," ideally visits should be arranged to allow you the opportunity to attend some classes and spend a night in the dorm.
- Give yourself time to explore the campus, visit the cafeteria, library and bookstore. Talk to students and try to make an appointment with a faculty member in your area of interest.
- Don't hesitate to ask questions: You are the consumer!
Ask students questions like the following:
- What do you like about the college?
- What do you complain about ?
- What are the reasons students transfer or leave?
- Inquire about the attrition rate. What are the classes like? (Lectures, discussions, rapport between students and faculty)
- Who does the teaching?
- What about class size?
- Are professors available after class?
- How do they spend their free time?
- Is there a range of campus activities?
- Are most students in residence on weekends?
- Keep a diary of your visits, writing down your impressions of the college immediately after your visit. Be sure to write a thank-you note to the tour director and to the interviewer.
