College Visits 101

College Visits are important elements of choosing the right campus for you because they allow a student to develop their own opinions about a campus. When you make your college visit be sure to leave your assumptions at home and open your mind to the possibilities of the college that you are visiting. Here are a few tips to make sure that you make the most of your next college visit.

1. Listen to your first impression. Many students that I work with rely heavily on their first impression from their visit to make their final decision regarding the right college for them. Scribble down notes and take in your surroundings because the first few moments on campus will likely shape your overall opinion of the campus.

2. Enjoy being the “visitor” on campus. Do not try to blend in, but instead let people around know during your visit that you are checking out their campus and they will be sure to point out the campus highlights.

3. Read the literature. You can find out a lot about the culture of the campus by not only reading college view books, but also the school newspapers. If you have time check out a bookstore to get an idea of the overall tone of the campus.

4. Be a student. Go to a class that interests you or check out the dining halls for lunch to get a insider’s view of college life. Read at the local coffee shop or walk to the dorms during your visit. The best way to get a feel for the campus is to find easy ways that you can be like a college student in the few short hours that you are there (make sure to schedule your visit when classes are in session).

5. Find the fun. A sporting event of a great performance on campus will allow you to get a taste of the school spirit of a campus as a visitor.

By incorporating these tips you will make the most of your college visit and hopefully find the college that fits your academic and social expectations.