PLANNING A COLLEGE VISIT
BEFORE MAKING A FINAL DECISION, VISIT THE CAMPUSES OF YOUR TOP FIVE TO SEVEN CHOICES. ALTHOUGH MANY COLLEGES OFFER VIRTUAL TOURS THROUGH THEIR WEB SITES, THESE TOURS CAN'T SUBSTITUTE FOR FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE. PREPARE IN ADVANCE A LIST OF PLACES ON CAMPUS YOU'D LIKE TO SEE AND QUESTIONS YOU NEED TO ASK TO ENSURE A THOROUGH EVALUATION OF EACH COLLEGE. HERE ARE SOME ADDITIONAL TIPS:
- SIT IN ON A CLASS.
If you know what you want to major in, request to sit in on a class in that subject area to get a sense of class sizes, curriculum and future classmates. This also will connect you with a professor you might encounter in your college career. - INQUIRE ABOUT CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES ON CAMPUS THAT INTEREST YOU: WHERE ARE THEY LOCATED? ARE THEY ACTIVE? CAN YOU CONTACT SOMEONE FROM THE ORGANIZATION?
- LOOK AT THE CAMPUS THROUGH THE EYES OF A STUDENT.
Familiarize yourself with the locations of essential buildings, such as the library, food services, the bookstore, computer labs and the registration office. Doing this ahead of time will save you from scrambling to find these necessities when classes start. Hang out in the student center - what do people do for fun? What off-campus activities are offered? Does the "feel" of the campus fit your personality? Will you enjoy your time here? - INSPECT THE DORMS.
Can you see yourself living there? What amenities (computer labs, game rooms, cafeteria) are offered in the building? How many roommates will share the space? How close are the dorms to libraries, dining halls and central campus? Ask a lot of questions about the living arrangements to make sure they suit your needs. - INVESTIGATE PARKING.
If you are commuting or keeping your car on campus, find out where you are permitted to park and ask current students for tips on where the best parking is. Don't forget to apply for a parking permit! - CHECK OUT THE LIBRARY.
What resources are available to you for future assignments and projects? Will these resources fit the research needs of your major? - TALK TO CURRENT STUDENTS.
Ask them what they wish they'd known before attending, but hadn't thought to ask. Do they like the campus? What do they like or dislike about it? What do they recommend you bring that they didn't?