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Visiting a College

Visiting a college campus can be one of the most important factors in your college decision-making process. Glossy brochures and pictures of smiling faces cannot substitute seeing and witnessing the real thing…case in point: there are no rainy days on college preview pamphlets! There are generally two options available to you: the campus preview event or an individual visit. Decide what is best for you and at what time. If at all possible, it is best to visit each college you are considering.

Campus previews are basically open house events that allow the college to showcase their campus and their programs. These events are structured to accommodate large groups of visitors so personalization is generally not available. The basic formula will include an admissions and financial aid session and campus tour. Space is limited for most events so be sure to register early.

Consider an individual visit to a campus, especially when looking at your top contender schools. This allows for more customization and encourages the question: “could I see myself here?” Beyond the student-led campus tour, ask if you can sit in on a class, meet with a faculty member one-on-one, eat in the dining hall, see a residence hall room, or perhaps even stay overnight with a student host. Seeing a campus in this manner can give you more of a “day in the life” experience of an actual student and can go great lengths to either solidifying your choice or canceling the school as an option. It’s hard to be lukewarm about a school once you’ve experienced it in this way. To schedule an individual visit to a campus, contact the Admissions office or Visitor Center or check out the Prospective or Future Students section of the college’s Web site.

Tips for College Visits

• Try to schedule your visit while school is in session.  This will give you the opportunity to experience campus life firsthand. 
• Talk to and ask questions of current students, especially students not hired as tour guides.
• Beyond the guided campus tour, feel free to wander the campus on your own.   
• Consider an overnight visit with a current student, particularly for your top two or three choices. 
• Keep a record of your visits, both likes and dislikes.
• Don’t judge too quickly, e.g. bad weather, but trust your instincts.