Visiting colleges is, I believe, one of the most important steps parents and students should take prior to a student’s senior year. After all, as parents, you would never consider purchasing a house sight unseen. A home is probably the biggest expense you’ll ever undertake. I remember when I bought my first home, it was so important that I thoroughly inspected the house from top to bottom. The same can be said about visiting colleges. This will be your child’s home for the next 4 years. And, it can be almost as expensive as purchasing your first home. Both you and your family will want to make sure it offers everything you want and need.
Most colleges offer an hour-information session, where an admissions counselor will highlight the latest and greatest in majors, buildings and sports teams. Then you’re off on a tour with a student, where you are lead around campus, into a classroom, dorm room and cafeteria. You’ll be on the campus for about 2 and ½ hours, which really isn’t enough time to get a clear idea if this school would be a good fit. However, with a little bit of research beforehand, I believe families can learn if this is the school for them.
Before visiting the school, do your research. Check out the college website and learn a few facts about the college, including its size, majors, extracurricular activities and anything else you are looking for. Jot down any questions you want answers to while on tour.
During your visit, you’ll want to:
- Attend an information session and take a tour. Typically tours go out several times a day on weekdays, and sometimes on Saturdays. If you are applying to a school that requires an interview for admission, try to arrange to go on the tour before the interview (questions will arise which you can then discuss in the interview). If not sure about whether an interview is required, call admissions and ask. The student guide is a good source of information, so ply him/her with questions. If you do NOT hit it off with the tour guide, try not to judge the entire institution negatively – try to talk with as many other students as possible.
- Talk to students other than the tour guide. Ask people walking around or eating lunch why they chose that school, what they like and what they would change about it.
- Pick up the student newspaper, if its being printed. If the newspaper isn’t being printed, check out the school’s website for the digital version of the paper. This will give you an idea of what’s happening on the campus, what the issues of concern to students are.
- Time permitting, eat a meal in one of the dining halls. This allows you not only to sample the food but to “people watch,” peruse bulletin boards, etc.
- Drive or walk around the town. You’ll want to leave campus sometimes. What is there for students to do nearby? Is there public transportation? Are students allowed to bring cars on campus?
- Make sure that you have given your name to the admissions office, so that they have a record of your visit to campus.
If time allows (requires prior arrangements with admissions office:
- Attend a class. How big is it? Who is in it: freshmen, majors in that subject? Are students asking questions or just taking notes?
- Meet with a coach in a sport you would like to play. He/she can give you an idea of your chances of playing on that school’s team.
After you leave the campus, jot down your answers to the following questions:
- What do you like best about your experience and education here?
- If you could attend another college now, where would you go, and why?
- Why did you choose this school? What others did you apply to?
- What kinds of kids do you think are happiest here? Which ones are least happy?
This will help you to remember what you saw and learned while on tour. Discuss with your parents, friends, and college counselor.
Are you concerned about the college process? Do you have a high schooler who could benefit from my guidance, organization and support during this stressful process? If so, get in touch with me. I can be reached at 240-285-1920 or dianne@launchingcollegesuccess.com. I have over 30 years’ experience supporting students and families through all aspects of the college admissions experience, from grades and classes, to testing, essays and applications. I’d love to help.
