Do you have a long list of potential colleges to attend? We highly recommend that you visit the campus! Whether you are trying to figure out which colleges you want to apply to, or are just trying to narrow down your college decision, campus visits may help you make your choice. Plus, making a more informed decision about where to attend college could even help you save money in the long run by avoiding the need for a transfer.
Wondering what to do on your campus visits and how to prepare for it? No need to worry—we’ve got your questions covered. To give you a clear picture of what to expect, we’ve compiled answers to five frequently asked questions about college campus visits.
1. Why should I do a college visit?
Flickr user Lower Columbia College (LLC)
Visiting a college campus offers invaluable insights into the campus environment, academic facilities, and overall atmosphere. It provides a firsthand experience that goes beyond brochures or websites, allowing you to gauge the campus culture, interact with current students, explore classrooms, and get a feel for the community. Additionally, a college visit helps you assess whether the campus aligns with your personal preferences and academic goals.
During a visit, you can also explore the surrounding area. Does it fit your needs, wants, and personality? Is it a city teeming with people and bustling with opportunity? Is it a small, secluded campus with views of nature? You may get there and realize it isn’t what you’d hoped. Or the opposite may be true, and you may find it’s everything you wanted. Either way, one of the best ways to find out is to actually visit campus.
2. Should I do the official tour or explore on my own?
Deciding between the official college tour and independent exploration depends on your preferences and goals. Opting for the official tour provides structured guidance, allowing you to cover key areas, ask questions, and gain insights from a knowledgeable guide. This option is beneficial for those who prefer a curated experience and want to learn about specific aspects of the campus in a guided manner.
On the other hand, exploring the campus independently offers flexibility and the freedom to focus on areas that personally interest you. While you won’t have a designated guide, this approach allows for a more spontaneous and self-directed experience. It’s suitable for anyone who enjoys discovering things at their own pace and has specific aspects of the campus they want to explore without a predetermined route.
You may also choose to combine these options for a comprehensive college visit experience. By doing both, you ensure a well-rounded experience.
3. What does an official tour include?
What you will experience on a college tour is determined by the college you’re visiting. On most college campus tours, you will visit one dorm room building, the food hall, some classrooms, the library, sights around campus, athletic buildings, administrative buildings, and other facilities. You may also have opportunities to participate in campus events or socialize with students.
Each school may have a different itinerary or way of doing a tour, so make sure you get the needed information ahead of time. This information can typically be found on the school’s website, and you may even find a map of the campus to help you prepare for the tour.
4. Will there be a Q&A session?
During official tours, a common practice is to have a question-and-answer session at the tour’s conclusion. While some tour guides may entertain questions during the tour itself, they might limit the number to keep the group on schedule.
It’s a good idea to think about any questions you might have before your college visit so you can ask them when the opportunity arises. Some schools might also offer information sessions with admissions officers, covering topics like student life, admissions processes, class schedules, or financial aid. Checking for these sessions during your visit can provide additional insights and address specific concerns you may have about the college.
5. What should I do to prepare for a college visit?
Preparing to visit campus involves a few key steps. First, research the college beforehand to familiarize yourself with its campus layout and notable features. Schedule a guided tour if available, and prepare questions about academics, campus life, and any other concerns. Take note of the admissions process and requirements.
Additionally, check the weather forecast and dress comfortably for walking. Finally, make a checklist of things to bring, including a notebook, pen, and camera for capturing important details. Being well-prepared ensures a more insightful and productive college visit.
Visiting a college before you decide which one to attend could save you time and money, and help you know you made the right choice for your future. Whether your campus visits include a tour or not, you will know that being present on campus helped guide one of the most pivotal decisions of your life.
We know that choosing where to go to college is a huge decision, which is why we created the College Match tool. Use this tool to discover personalized matches for colleges across the United States based on your desired major, location, and atmosphere.
