Visit, Visit, Visit!

As I went through the college search process, I was a parent's nightmare! I didn't want to go on tours, listen to information sessions, or attend Open Houses. I was "too busy" and couldn't imagine how I could do all of that and still enjoy my senior year of high school. I figured there was no reason to visit until I had a list of colleges that had accepted my application. Then in April, I went on a whirlwind tour of six schools in three days. It was exhausting for both me and my parents!  Visit after visit, I was finding problems with my choices–no football team (I wanted to go to games on the weekend and show my school spirit), a lack of Spanish culture classes, too big, too small, the food was yucky, and some didn't have clubs I wanted to become a part of, etc.

In the end, I fell in love with the school that was the last stop on our trip. The campus was beautiful, it was the perfect size, it had a great Spanish program along with fantastic study abroad options, it had strong football AND lacrosse teams, and there were many activities I wanted to get involved with on campus. While I do not regret the decision I made, I do know I could have approached the process in a much more effective way. Had I started earlier, I could have narrowed down my list (saving my parents some money!) and might have even applied early decision.

Looking back, and now having worked as the tour guide advisor for my university for five years, I have come to realize that a campus visit really is one of the most important pieces of the application process. While some students "get that feeling" and know a place is right for them from the start, others may have to visit a few times to truly understand what a place is all about.

So, as you embark on college tours, be sure to keep the following in mind:

• Do your research before you arrive on campus.–A campus visit is important because it allows you to have contact with admissions officers, faculty members, staff, and current students. You want to make the most of your time with them, so be sure to have good questions ready. If you are asking "How many students attend this college?" or "Do you have a biology major?" then you haven't done your homework. These are all questions to which you can find answers on the school's website. Instead, come ready with questions like "What type of a student do you find is the best fit for this institution?" or "What is a typical weekend like here on campus?"
  
  
• Attend an information session –Generally, information sessions are conducted by Admissions Counselors or Admissions Interns. These people are not only there to give you basic information about the college or university, but also there to talk about how the process works, what they are looking for in candidates, how they evaluate applications, and how the financial aid process is conducted. Each school is looking for particular qualities in applicants as they read, so this is a great time to see if your criteria match theirs.
  
  
• Take a campus tour.–While pictures of a school online are helpful, there is nothing like stepping foot on campus. Trek across the quads, walk the hall of its buildings, see where students hang out and study. Tours are a great way to ask questions of current students, and also see if you could visualize yourself there. Remember though, one tour guide or one encounter with a student should NOT make or break your decision about a school. Wherever you choose to attend, there will be many types of people there, and just because someone like you isn't your tour guide doesn't mean that there are no people like you on that campus.
  
  
• Stay overnight, attend an Open House, have lunch with a student, and sit in on a class.– Different schools have different visit options. If any of the above is available, think about attending them. These activities will only help as you make your decision on where to apply or where to attend. The more information you gather on campus, the more comfortable you will feel about your choices.
  
  
• Arrange a visit with a faculty member.–At many schools, professors are happy to speak with prospective students about programs, classes, and study abroad options. Email addresses for faculty members are often available online. If you start a dialogue via email, the professor may be able to meet with you while you are in town to see a lab, talk about classes in the major, or talk about their research.
  
  
• Don't be afraid to ask questions.–If you see a student sitting in the library, walking through the quad, hanging out at the recreation center, or talking with friends in the student union, feel free to stop and ask him/her questions.  These current students were in your shoes not too long ago, and know what it is like to explore different college options. Maybe they can tell you why they chose their particular institution or what they have enjoyed most at their school.

All in all, if you follow these simple pointers, you will be applying to a select group of schools that you are really excited about. The process will be less stressful, you will feel at ease with your application choices, and once you get your acceptance letters, you will be confident that they have everything you are looking for!