Visiting Colleges (the short version)

Before you become too serious about attending any school, it is very important that you try and visit to get a feel for the campus and student experience. Spring break, summer vacation, and weekends are good times for you to visit campuses. All admission offices offer campus tours and information sessions for prospective students. Call in advance or check the website to find out when they are scheduled. Many colleges allow you to register for information sessions and tours on their website.

If you become serious about a school, many college admission offices will arrange for you to spend a night in a dorm, attend classes, and eat in the cafeteria. If you'd like to do an initial visit, plan to spend at least half of a day on campus. This should be enough time to do the following:

• attend an information session
• go on a campus tour
• eat on campus
• walk around on your own
  

When visiting a college, try to think about what life there will be like. Try and answer the following questions:

• How large are the freshman classes?
• Do you like the food?
• Do you like the dorms?
• What information can you learn from flyers posted around campus?
• What are the hot issues in the school newspaper?
• Can you see yourself among the students?
• How far do you have to walk to get to classes?
• Do the people walking around look happy?

Do your homework on the school before you go. Does it measure up to the way you imagined it? How does it compare to the way the school presents itself on its website and other advertising you have encountered?