Spring break and summer travel plans are on the
minds of many families. Why not add a college visit into your itinerary? College
visits are an integral part of the college process. They allow families to learn
more about a particular college while also showing 'demonstrated
interest.'
Contact
the Admissions Office
Contact the admissions office a few weeks prior to
your arrival. This will not only confirm the office is open that day, but it provides
campus visit options to maximize your experience. Various options might include
an interview with an admissions representative, sitting in on a class, talking
to a specific academic department/program or having a personalized tour based upon
your interests. Some schools will even provide a complimentary meal in the
cafeteria and/or help to defray some of the travel expenses if they know you
are coming.
Every attempt should be made to visit a school if
they are within a few hours of your home. Schools expect you take that extra
effort to visit their campus.
See
The Negatives
This may be the most difficult aspect of the college
search, especially if there is an infatuation with the school. When on campus, it
is important to recognize the negatives regarding a potential school. Tour
guide will always highlight the positive aspects of their campuses, but will
they show you the negatives? It is better to recognize the things you may not
enjoy about the campus while on a tour, rather than once your student is
enrolled.
Ask
Questions
Make sure to ask thought provoking questions that
will elicit an honest response. Most people will speak freely about the school,
campus and students. Admission's representatives understand that not everyone
is the proper fit for their campus. The tour guide is a great source of knowledge.
They can discuss why they choose that particular college, the type of students on
campus, programs, extracurricular activities and even the things they would
like to change about the school.
Write
Down Information
Bring a notebook to write down information regarding
your visit. After touring multiple schools, inevitably each campus will blend
together. Your notes will help differentiate campuses when it comes time to
apply or accept an offer of admission.
Before going on any visit, generate a list of needs/wants
in a school. Then compare this list with the information you had written down
regarding what you learned. Make a list and keep a log of those aspects at each
campus. Do not forget to snap photos on your cell phone or tablet!
Lastly, do not forget to have your student write 'thank
you' notes to all the people they met.
Tom Jaworski has toured nearly 150 college campuses.
To learn if he has visited your school of interest, or anything else
college, contact him.
