College Admissions Process — Visiting Colleges

One of the best ways to learn about a college is to visit the campus. A campus visit often gives you that chance. If the schools you’re interested in are close enough for a visit, by all means, visit. However, don’t panic if one of the schools you want to consider is an expensive plane ride away; there are alternative ways to get to know a college, and we’ll be happy to help you learn about those.

If you do decide to visit, be prepared. Do your homework before you go so that once you’re on campus you’re not wasting time asking things you could have learned by looking in a guidebook or on the Internet. Here are some suggestions:

1. Call the admission office ahead of time. Request a tour, class visit, directions, and local hotel information, if needed. This is also the time for special requests: that is, meeting with a coach, faculty member, financial aid officer, arranging an audition, or staying overnight in a residence hall. If you have a special need, don’t be afraid to ask.
2. Call if you need to cancel or are running late for your appointment.
3. Make a list of questions to ask during your interview/visit. Try to avoid asking questions already answered in the catalog or online.
4. Be prepared to share information about yourself such as GPA, current classes, extracurricular involvement, and unique or special interests. Take an unofficial copy of your transcript with you on your visits.
5. Two visits per day, maybe three, should be the maximum if the schools are fairly close to each other. At the end of each visit, jot down notes while the impressions are still clear in your mind. Sometimes it’s helpful to take a few pictures of each campus. Some families even use a video camera while on tours.
6. Don’t judge a college by one student, one faculty member, or one tour guide. Remember that a single person can’t represent the entire school.
7. Don’t let the weather affect your judgment of a school. Bricks, mortar, and ivy look best on a bright sunny day, but you may not have optimal weather conditions for all your visits.
8. Ask for business cards before you leave. After the visit, write a short thank-you note to the admissions counselor. These notes are usually kept in your file and if you apply, will be a reminder of your interest in that particular school. They may even make a difference in helping you with admission.

Things to do during a campus visit:

• Take a tour.
• Attend an information session.
• Visit one or more classes.
• Have an interview, if possible.
• Talk to as many students as possible. Ask them about the academic and social life on campus.
• Carefully observe students as you walk around and see if you can picture yourself as a member of the student body.
• Stay overnight in a residence hall.
• Eat in the dining hall.
• Visit the neighborhood in which the college is located. Check out transportation facilities.
• Read the bulletin boards and the college newspaper.
• Visit the library.

ASK QUESTIONS!!! ASK QUESTIONS!!! ASK QUESTIONS!!!

Things to look for and at during a campus visit:

• General neatness of the campus
• Student attire
• Friendliness
• Student conversations
• Student groupings
• Library
• Computers
• Athletic facilities
• Residence halls
• Faculty presence
• Security
• Music, performance, and art facilities
• Amenities, such as student lounges, student union, bookstore, and food options.

Sample Questions to Ask During a College Visit

• What percentage of first-year students return for their sophomore year?
• Are there special academic programs? Study abroad? Exchange programs? Internships? Co-ops?
• What types of tutoring programs are available?
• How soon does a student need to declare a major? What are the most popular majors?
• Are large classes broken down into seminars? Who teaches them?
• What special interest groups are on campus?
• How is admission determined? What is the importance of the SAT I, ACT, GPA, and class rank?
• Is guaranteed housing available? For how long?
• What percentage of students go home on the weekends?
• How are roommates assigned?
• What percentage of seniors go onto graduate school?
• Is there a career planning and placement center available to students?
• What percentage of students receive some kind of financial aid?
• Are merit scholarships available? What are the criteria for selection?
• What forms are required to apply for financial aid?

Sample Worksheet to Bring with you on your visit