Every year, hundreds of high school juniors and seniors travel to their potential university to receive a firsthand view. What better way to compare schools by getting great hands on experience and exploring the area with mom and dad?
Planning which university to attend can be an overwhelming process, but it can also be a great opportunity to find the perfect fit and have fun while doing it. It is impossible to tour every college, especially if your choices are far away from one another. This is where planning comes into play. Start your search by researching schools online, take a virtual tour, browse through the admissions section, check out the classes offered and events taking place. Try and visit all different types of schools from urban to more rural, large, small, far away from home and the one in your backyard. Get a good feel of exactly what you want, and you might be surprised!
A visit to a college gives you the opportunity to speak with students, faculty and staff, and even see a dorm room! It’s important to begin to accumulate a running list of questions to ask along the way to prevent judging a book by its cover. “How to Plan a College Visit” by Amy Whitley does a great job of placing all the important areas into easy and actionable guides.
Here are some highlights:
Plan your visit in advance and book a tour ahead of time.
Try and avoid busy times such as move-in day and times where the campus might be empty, like a school holiday.
Don’t forget to take in your surroundings and ask questions. How do students get around? What is the general atmosphere around campus?
Check out the nearby hangout spots and neighborhood to get a feel for the community surrounding campus.
Make your college visit a family trip, tour the city, check out the local cuisine and embrace this exciting time!
For more tips on planning your college visit, check out the full post here.
