Making the Most of Your College Visit
While this may be the standard procedure, colleges are trying to make these visits more available as the situation changes due to the pandemic. Therefore, some of the information below may not apply to this year.Visiting a college campus is a very important part of the college planning process. While reading and researching online is a great start, it’s difficult to really get the feel for a school until you spend time on the actual campus.
The best time to visit is when the school is in session and students are on campus. Usually visiting on a Monday-Thursday will give you the best idea of a typical day. Most campuses also offer information sessions and tours year round. Call or visit the college’s Admissions website before your intended visit for specific tour times and meeting places. After taking a campus tour, make sure to leave time to explore the campus on your own.
Below are questions to consider asking during your visit:
Questions to Ask Current Students:
- What is the transition like from high school to college?
- Why did you choose this school?
- What has your personal experience been like at this school?
- What do you think makes your school distinctive?
- What do students complain about most?
- What are the most popular sports, clubs, and activities?
- What is the surrounding town/city like?
- What do students like to do on the weekends?
- What is the nature of academic competition/rigor?
- Are the professors approachable?
- What has been your smallest/largest class size?
- Do many students study abroad?
- How are the food options?
- Do you feel safe?
- What is the on-campus/off-campus housing like?
- Other than the library, where do students like to study?
- Does this school have special customs or traditions on campus?
- If you had to select a college from the start, would you make the same choice?
- What makes this school distinctive from other schools?
- What are the most popular or distinctive academic programs?
- If I’m interested in studying (subject), what does your school offer in this?
- What is the make-up of the current freshman class? Is it diverse?
- What is the retention rate (percentage of students who return sophomore year)?
- What are some of the current issues among students?
- Are classes taught by full professors or do you have teaching assistants?
- How do you evaluate applications? Do certain pieces weigh more in the admissions decision than others?
- Are interviews available during the admission process?
- What types of financial aid options are available for students?
- If I have more questions, who is my Admissions Counselor to contact?
- How would you describe the personality of _____ University/College?
- How is your college distinctive?
- What is the goal of your school's education?
- Describe the social and political atmosphere of the school.
- What kinds of student do you like to attract to your school?
- What is the best way to prepare for your school?
- What do you wish students knew about _____ University/College?
- What is most important to students at your school?
- How would you describe the "vibe" at _____ University/College?
- Besides good grades and test scores, what else would make an applicant stand out to the admissions committee?
- What do you like most about teaching at this college?
- What is your teaching style like? How much is lecture, lab, or discussion?
- What is your typical class size?
- What expectations do you have for your students?
- How much interaction do you have with undergraduate students?
- What qualities do you like to see from your students?
- What types of assignments do you give? (Ask for a copy of a recent syllabus.)
- Is there anything you would change about the students/school?
- What issues do you see with your students (i.e. procrastination, poor study habits, cheating, etc.)?
- What research are you currently conducting? Do you offer undergraduate research opportunities?
- Plan ahead and make an appointment at the college’s Office of Admissions website.
- View the school’s website to learn about programs offered.
- Set up a meeting with a professor in your chosen major.
- Plan an overnight stay with a student.
- Look around and really observe the school.
- Visit the cafeteria and try the food.
- Sit in on a class or two.
- Look at bulletin boards to see what event are happening on campus.
- Read the college’s newspaper.
- Walk through the residence halls.
- Pick up financial aid forms.
- Drive around the surrounding area.
- Ask yourself: “Could I spend the next four years of my life here?”
- After visiting, make a list of pros and cons for each college.
Can't visit a college? Take an online tour:
campustours.com
youniversitytv.com/colleges
collegeweeklive.com
Sources:
Big Future (College Board)
Thought Co.