How to Get the Most Out of Your College Visits
Let’s be honest: you can only learn so much about a college from the web, social media, and recommendations. To gauge the real feel, you need to walk around the campus, see the facilities, meet some of the students, and decide how good of a fit it would actually be for yourself.
Preparing for Your Visit: What to Research in Advance
Doing virtual research is a vital part of the process because it allows you to separate schools into two categories: schools you should visit and schools you don’t need to see. Visiting as many schools as you can before the application crunch can go a long way in helping you decide what’s important to you… and what isn’t.
Many schools track what they call “demonstrated interest.” Showing admissions counselors that you care enough to visit often carries significant weight. Other ways to show demonstrated interest include following a schools social media accounts, making sure you read their emails, attending local and virtual events (college fairs, webinars, information sessions), emailing an admissions counselor, and applying early decision or early action. But back to visits….
I recommend getting started by visiting a few schools that are geographically convenient – whether or not you are actually interested in them. This will increase your comfort level when you start visiting places you might want to attend. You’ll also gain a better idea of exactly what you want to look for on each campus. Make every visit a mindful one, and here are my top tips to help you do that.
Crafting the Perfect Campus Tour Checklist
Do Your Homework
Research the school thoroughly. Prepare a list of questions. List all the places you want to visit (and go see them if they are not part of the tour).
Interact with the Tour Guide
Make sure you know their name. Ask for their email in case you have questions later (and so you can also say thank you). Ask them their opinions on pros and cons of the school. Find out what their experience is like. Show an interest in them: ask about their major, their background, their future plans.
Pay Attention
Keep your cell phone in your pocket or backpack at all times (it’s okay to take photos, but that’s it!). Stay focused on what’s happening around you. Bring a notebook and take notes as you go. Try and gather some specific details that might help you write the “why us” supplement.
Soak Up the Whole Environment
Stay focused on determining if the school might be a good fit for you. Try to put aside “prestige” and location. What’s the “mood” on campus? What does your gut tell you? Could you picture yourself there?
Beyond the Tour
Can you attend a class? Meet any faculty members? Have a meal in a dining hall? Attend any special events that might be happening while you are there? Connect with clubs and student organizations? Grab a copy of the student newspaper?
After the Tour
Visit the rest of the places you want to see . Can you talk to random students and faculty/staff members? Write down more notes about specific things you saw and the general feeling you had. If you have a really great experience, consider making another visit or two! As long as you’re there, do you want to visit any other nearby schools?
Take the time to reflect on your experience. Adjust your college list accordingly. When you send thank you notes, don’t just say thank you: every note is another opportunity to show them how much you care, and why you would be an ideal member of their community!
Don’t forget to grab our free guide on how to navigate the college application process. You can download it HERE.
