Everything you ever wanted to know about visiting a college

       There is an amazing thing about visiting a college; somehow, no matter how much research you do, you will know which college is right for you within 30 minutes of your arrival. Something will feel right. While this feeling is important, it's more important for you to find the school with the right major, the right living situation and the right price. Do your homework. When you visit a college know that they are putting their best foot forward; don't be caught up in the hype, ask the right questions. I've included a bunch of information for you here to help you get through the maize of college visitation. Good Luck.

When to Visit

How to Schedule Your Campus Visits

Schoolwork, your job, your parents... choosing the right time to go on campus visits may seem like a complicated procedure. But when you're planning your trip, just be sure not to lose sight of the reason you're going: to see if the school is a good fit for you. This means you need to see the college when classes are meeting and day-to-day activities are taking place. In other words, go when the college is in session.

How to Pick a Date

There's more than one right time to make campus visits. The trick to picking the right dates for you is to plan well ahead of time.

During the Week

Mondays through Thursdays are ideal since campuses are generally in full swing. Since junior and senior years can be busy for you, though, it's important not to let visits interfere with your schoolwork. If possible, try to visit during high school holidays that fall on Mondays, when most colleges are in session.

The Best Seasons

Late summer and early September before senior year are convenient times to visit, since many colleges begin their fall semester as early as mid-August. But generally, fall through winter, and sometimes early spring, are the seasons when seniors should conduct their explorations.

Spring of Junior Year

Juniors who have researched colleges should consider using spring vacations for college visits. Spring is also a good time of year if you play fall sports or are considering early action or early decision with application deadlines in November of senior year.

After You've Been Accepted

Many colleges invite their accepted candidates to spend a few days on campus before the May 1 reply date to encourage them to enroll. This is a good opportunity to make some in-depth comparisons between the colleges that have accepted you.

On the other hand, if you're planning to visit colleges only after you've received acceptances, you may find yourself in a difficult position. Consider that most colleges don't mail acceptance letters before April and that the standard reply date is May 1. This means you may have only a few weeks before the reply date to visit.

You could also be in a tight bind if, after visiting in person, you find you're not satisfied with your options. Visit before applications are due so that you're confident you'd be happy at any of the colleges on your list.

When Not to Go

Check specific dates with each college so you don't arrive when the campus is deserted.

Preparing for a College Campus Visit

Know before You Go                                        

It may be tempting to just yell "roadtrip!" 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 viewbooks, 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    

   their 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 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 sport, arrange to attend a practice, Rehearsal or meeting.  

Pack a Camera and 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 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.