the visit
campus visits 101
Did you buy your stereo without turning it on? Did you get your mountain bike because it was that purple color? Did you forget to ask the sales person how many megs of RAM your new computer had? I didn’t think so. More than likely you had lots of questions to ask about these new purchases. And now you’re thinking about “buying” a college. How will you do this? A campus visit is a great way to help you make a decision.
Always contact the Admissions Office on campus at least two weeks before the planned visit to schedule your specific appointment. If you wish to visit a class or specific department on campus, please make your wishes known to the representative setting up your appointment. A tour of the campus does not necessarily include visiting a class.
Maps are available from the campus web site or admissions catalog. Get specific directions on how to get there and where to park. By all means, do not be late.
Why go?
ü To learn what life is like on that campus
ü To make sure that the college is a good fit
ü Too see if you feel "at home" on the campus
When do I go?
ü Visit when classes are in session, mid week is a good time to plan your visit to a campus.
ü If possible, go before you actually apply. If this is not possible, talk to students who are attending the college you are interested in. Or call the Admissions Office to get a video or a list of name of students in your area. You can talk to admissions officers when they come to REL, or you can meet them when you attend the area College Fair.
ü Plan an overnighter, if possible.
Making arrangements Before you go on your visit, you should make the following arrangements:
ü Talk to your attendance secretary and let them know you are planning a college visit. Also let your teachers know and try to get any work you will miss because you are responsible for all missed work. When you return from your visit bring a document signed by someone you talked with at the college. Juniors and seniors are allowed to have 2 college visit days each year.
ü Arrange a campus tour and information session through Admissions Office.
ü Schedule an interview
ü Contact the Admissions Office to set up
o an over night stay
o classes to attend
o cafeteria passes
o schedule of activities
o faculty/advisor appointments in the area of interest
o appointment with a coach, if you are interested in athletics
What do I look for on a tour?
ü Students
ü Academics
ü Campus facilities
ü Community outside the college
ü Library resources
ü Computer lab
ü Cafeteria services
ü Campus security
ü Student Union and other gathering places
What questions do I ask on a tour?
ü What are some popular courses here?
ü What are the most popular majors here?
ü How accessible are the professors?
ü What are your library and lab hours?
ü Do you have a problem with student drinking and drug use?
ü How does the campus address the issue of crime?
ü What is rush like?
ü What are some typical things that students do on a weekend?
ü What are the most active organizations on campus?
Be sure to talk with some randomly selected students on campus – students other than those assigned by admissions for student tours. Just walk up and introduce yourself as a prospective student. You may get the inside scoop and some great advice.