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Preparing
for a Campus Visit
Know Before You Go
It may be tempting to just
yell “road trip” and head out to
campuses, but you’ll get more out of your visits if you plan ahead.
Research the College
It’s important to know
something about the college before
you arrive on its campus, especially if you have an interview scheduled.
- Review the view books, course
catalogs, and any other materials the college sends to prospective
students.
- Spend some time surfing their
website.
- Talk to currently enrolled
students or alumni about the college. Some
college websites let you contact them online, or you can get their
contact information from the admissions office.
Scheduling your
trip
Pick a time
that’s convenient to you, but try to go when
classes are in session. That way, you
can sit in on a lecture or stay in a dorm overnight.
You’ll only get a true feel for the campus if
you’re there on a day when classes are in full swing.
Schedule your time on
campus; too, to make sure you’ll have
a time for everything you want to do:
·
Find out how often college
tours run, and if you
have to sign up in advance.
·
Be sure to get a map of the
school. You don’t want to spend half your
day trying
to park or find the admissions office.
·
If an interview is suggested,
make an
appointment. Also, consider meeting with
the financial aid officer.
·
If you’re curious about a
club, program, or a
spot, arrange to attend a practice, rehearsal, or meeting.
·
Ask yourself if you can
imagine living and
studying at that college two or fours years.
Pack a camera
and a
notebook
Was it X College or Y
University that had that excellent
exercise equipment in the gym? Where did
I talk to that cool psychology professor?
You think you’ll remember everything, but you’ll be
surprised how
colleges start to merge after you’ve seen a few.
What’s
important to
you?
Make a list of what college characteristics
are most
important to you, so you know what to evaluate.
Do you feel overwhelmed in a large lecture hall? Check out the class size.
Do you have your heart set on joining a
sorority or a fraternity? See what the
Greek system is like on campus. Is there
a particular major that you want to pursue?
Talk to current students or professors in that department.
Develop a list of your
preferences. Take this list to the schools
that you plan
to visit, and compare them when you get back home.
For more information check
out the complete guide to Campus
Visits and College interviews available at the online store at www.collegeboard.com.
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