Getting the Most from a College Visit

While there is no wrong way to visit a college, you want to make the most of your visit. This article will act as a guide for your college visit.

By Mackenzie Roberts — February 2, 2023

Tags: campus considerations, campus visits, choosing a college, planning ahead, prospective student

Going to college involves adequate planning. A big to-do list item is visiting college campuses to understand what they offer. Visiting a college campus has many benefits. You get a first-hand experience of the environment and facilities and the chance to speak with faculty and students who can answer your questions and provide plenty of insight. While there is no wrong way to visit a college, you want to make the most of your visit. This article will act as a guide for your college visit.

Planning for a Visit

College visits require some planning. When you visit is up to you; however, make sure your first visit to a college takes place when classes are in session so that you can get the best feel for an average day on campus. Many high school students visit colleges in the Spring of their Junior year and Fall of their Senior year. Make sure you are communicating with your teachers and counselors when scheduling a visit to avoid being absent from school on a day with any significant responsibilities. Your senior year can be busy. Do not wait too long to get your visits on the calendar.

After scheduling your visit, there are a few other ways to prepare. It may be wise to write down in advance any questions you want to be answered. College visits can be exciting, and it is easy to forget your questions if they are not in front of you. Another thing you can do to prepare is to go over your traveling plans and check into the parking in advance. As a s tudent ambassador, I have found that visitors underestimate how difficult it can be to navigate a college campus. An admissions counselor should contact you before you visit with parking directions. Make sure you plan accordingly and allow yourself plenty of time, as you do not want to be late and cut into your visit time.

On Your Visit

'Your schedule as a prospective will depend on the specific college you are visiting. Most college visits consist of a tour, an opportunity to speak with a student, a meeting with an admission counselor, and an opportunity to meet with a professor. One thing you can do to guarantee the most out of this visit is to ask plenty of questions. Faculty will be pleased to answer any questions, and you should never be scared to ask. Keep a notebook handy to write down the answers and any other information you want to remember.

As you tour campus, you should be doing a few things. First, stick to the front of the tour if you are in a group. This makes it easier to hear, and, more im portantly, it is easier to ask questions as you move around the campus. On your tour, you will want to pay close attention to the housing options. This could potentially be your new living space, so make sure you like what you see. This goes for all of the campus facilities. It is easy to get lost in the excitement of visiting a college, so take pictures and continue to take notes to review later on.

You may meet with a professor at some point during your visit. If you have an intended major, you will likely meet with a professor from that department. This is an opportunity to hear about the program and its offerings. This is an excellent time to ask questions about this area of study, such as the course requirements. Talking with someone knowledgeable in the area can help you decide if this is a good choice.

Do not forget about life outside of academics. What is there to do on or around campus? Is the campus in a city and community where there is a lot for young people to do? Do you see posters advertising campus events or clubs? You are there to get your degree, but some of your best experiences will come from what else the campus offers, such as Greek Life, intramurals, or the campus book club! When speaking with a student or a student panel, ask about these opportunities for you to be involved.

One last thing worth mentioning is the time spent with your admission counselor and a financial aid representative. These are two significant stops on your visit. They may throw a lot of information at you in a short time, which can be stressful as admission and cost are two huge factors. It is okay if you need them to repeat something or explain it differently. The cost of college can be more than confusing depending on scholarships, out-of-state and in-state tuition, and your financial situation. Try to get as much information as possible and take with you any papers they provide containing cost breakdowns and contacts that can assist you with any questions you may have.

Reflection

After any college visit, it is wise to review the information you received and compare it to the other colleges you have visited or will visit. If you remember to ask questions, take pictures, and note significant things such as housing and your program, you will get what you need from your visit. It is important to remember that you do not have to attend that college just because you visited. You now have a plethora of information to base your decision on when it comes time. Do your best to enjoy this process and avoid stressing as you are about to enter this new stage of your life!

Mackenzie Roberts

Mackenzie Roberts is a senior at William Penn University majoring in History and Political Science. On campus, Mackenzie is an active presence, enjoying her roles as Student Ambassador and the Department Assistant for Social and Behavioral Sciences. Mackenzie loves college student life and expanding her knowledge on various topics.

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