College Visits Part 2: On Campus

College visits are usually quick, especially if you are seeing several colleges on one trip. Here are some tips to make the most of each visit:

1. Plan to leave early for the info session/campus tour to allow time to find parking and the building if you are unfamiliar with the campus. Many times admissions will specify a parking lot for visitors or email you a pass, so be sure you know this in advance.

2. Review your prepared list of questions so you make sure admissions and/or the tour guide covers what you want to know. Don’t be afraid to ask if they don’t!  Chances are someone else in the group has the same question. Caveat: if your question is highly specific to you, wait to ask admissions or your tour guide one-on-one.

3. Make quick notes during the admissions presentation and immediately after the tour while it is still fresh. The areas they choose to emphasize are important to the school - you would do well to emphasize those things that appealed to you in a supplemental essay, whether it be values you share, opportunities that pique your interest, or some history or traditions you found interesting.

4. Stay close to the student guide on your tour - they will provide a more candid view of the strengths and weaknesses of the school and can answer questions one-on-one as you walk along.

5. If they aren’t featured on the tour, be sure to find the following spots on your own:

1. Classroom building(s) for your intended major - note the distance and method of transportation from residential areas

2. Freshman housing

3. Any other spots of importance to you: rec center/workout/intramural and club sports facilities, dining options, student activities offices, etc.

6. Grab a copy of the school newspaper to see what issues and events are being featured.

7. Check out bulletin boards/flyers around campus to see what kinds of events are happening.

8. Be sure to get the business card or email address of the admissions officer for your region as well as the student that provided the tour in case you have questions at a later date.