How To Make the Most Of College Visits

January 5, 2014
|In College Visits
|By Jeannie Borin

Here are some things to look out for while touring different colleges. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the many buildings, programs and informational tours. A preplanned checklist of what you want to see is a good idea.

Here are some bullet points of different things to look for while touring   colleges:

– Admission Criteria

  • Requirements and What to Include with Application
  • When to Apply
  • GPA & Test Scores (if required)
  • Scholarships Offered
  • Student Support/Counseling Center

– Academics

  • Professor Availability
  • Popular Programs
  • Average Size of Class (ratio to student)
  • Possible Internships
  • Study Abroad Opportunities
  • Available Technology
  • Library Facilities

– Campus Life

  • Greek – Fraternities/Sororities
  • Weekend Activities
  • Special Campus Events
  • How Many Students Live on Campus? Commute?
  • Sport Events
  • Dining Facilities
  • Party Scene

–  Campus Setting

  • Where is College Located?
  • Too Remote? Too Urban? Near a City?
  • What is Surrounding Community Like? Campus Town?

– Look of the College

  • Dorms and Nearby Housing
  • Lecture Halls & Classrooms
  • Clean, Easy Access, Transportation
  • Libraries
  • Security & Safety, Campus Police Availability
  • Current Building Projects
  • How Well Are Current Facilities Maintained?
  • Recreation Center

While you visit, here are some additional suggestions:

Take a campus informational tour

Set up an interview with an admission officer

Audit a course

Speak with a professor or representative at the department in your field of interest

If you are pursuing athletics, talk to a coach in your sport

If possible, stay overnight in a dorm with a friend or relative

Pick up the campus newspaper

Spend time in the Student Union and eat in the cafeteria

Speak to students and ask questions

Find the center of campus and have a seat for 30 minutes

Take a look at the college bookstore

Ask a student what he/she loves and hates about the college

Tour the community surrounding the campus

Ask a student if you can see their dorm room

Ask yourself if you could feel at home at this college

Take lots of notes and pictures

Enjoy yourself!

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