As you prepare for college, you will likely visit several schools you are interested in applying to. Visiting colleges is an important part in your decision process! Being at a school allows you to make direct connections with admission officers, professors, and students; learn more about what campus life is like, and ask lots of questions.

However, it can feel overwhelming or intimidating to step foot on a campus full of strangers. The following tips are designed to help alleviate some of your worries by preparing you for a great visit!

Plan your visit in advance

Rushing is a recipe for disaster! Give yourself at least two weeks to plan your trip, book an tour, research the college online, and come up with a list of questions to ask your tour guide. If some of your friends and classmates are also interested in visiting the school, invite them along! More people = more perspectives and opportunities to learn.

While researching schools you are interested in, keep these key factors in mind:

  • Do the majors and minors offered fit your ideal field of study?
  • Is the college in your desired location?
  • What is the living situation (dorms required, dorms optional, off-campus living only)?
  • How big is the average class size?
  • On average, how many years do students take to graduate?

 

Pick a few extra locations to visit

Your tour guide will likely walk you through a few main buildings on campus, including the library, cafeteria, dorm buildings, gym, and classrooms. These are definitely important places to visit, but they don’t give you a full view of the campus. Here are some additional locations you might consider visiting:

  • Classrooms in your desired major. For example, if you are interested in studying chemistry, ask your tour guide if you can check out a chem lab! Even better, ask if there are any classes in your major that you can sit in on.
  • Coffee shops on or near campus – get a feel for where you may be studying!