College Visits

Before you go….

Visit the college website and click on the Visitor’s link, usually found on the home page. Schedule a tour. This is important as most campuses do not allow visitors to walk on and join a tour…and tours do fill up. Your confirmation will include directions and parking information, along with tips for the visit.

What to take with you on your visit….

Use the NOTES feature on your phone to take notes AND photographs of the campus. You can take a photograph RIGHT in your notes app. This keeps everything together in one place. No need for complete sentences. Bullet what you like, what you don’t like and what you want to investigate further. At the end of the tour, write down your overall impression and anything you want to investigate further.

While on the tour….

Sign in! This shows you were there and are interested in the college. Colleges keep track!

Sit up front during the information session. Jot your questions down and be sure to ask them. This is your chance to find out more about the college, its programs, activities (both club and what students do for fun.)

During the tour, stay close to the tour guide. You will hear a LOT more. If you have a specific question you’d like to ask one on one, feel free to ask the tour guide while walking between stops.

Consider speaking directly with an admission representative before or after the tour. They are often available to answer questions. It’s sometimes nice to make that connection as well.

If you have time, walk or drive around the neighborhoods surrounding the campus. Note what the surrounding area is like and the proximity to a Target or grocery store.

Questions to ask…

You will likely have an opportunity to ask questions of an admissions rep AND students while on your tour. Take the opportunity to do so! Here are a few questions to get you started…

  • CAMPUS CULTURE AND VIBE

  • What is your favorite place to eat on campus and what do you get there? (This goes beyond, “How’s the food?”)

  • Ask about specific dietary offerings if this applies to you.

  • What do students do on the weekends? Do most students stay on campus or leave? What is your favorite thing to do on campus, in town, in the area?

  • What do you wish this campus had, but doesn’t?

  • If there is a Greek life on campus, find out how many students are involved and if non-Greek students are welcome at functions.

  • What is your favorite/least favorite thing about dorm life? Are there specific living communities? (honors, outdoors, by major, by interest, etc…? These vary by campus.)

  • Is this campus liberal/conservative/both and what makes it feel that way?

  • Are there any hot button topics on campus?

  • How do students get to and from the closest airport?

  • Do you feel safe walking around campus? At night?

  • What is dorm life like? Is housing guaranteed for the first year?

  • Do some students live off campus? Is it easy to find off campus apartments?

  • Are there any yearly events or traditions at this college

  • CLASSES AND ACADEMICS

  • What was your favorite class/professor? Why?

  • Are classes more hands on, lecture, seminar style or….?

  • Is switching your major possible? What’s the process?

  • If you could change one thing about this university, what would it be and why?

  • Is it easy to talk to professors during office hours? Are they accessible? Do professors or grad students teach freshman classes?

  • Are there regular formal study groups for the more challenging courses?

  • How often do students meet with academic advisors? Is it easy to schedule and meet with them?

  • Can you tell me about the Honors Program? What are the benefits?

  • Is it difficult to get your classes? Who has priority?

  • Why types of research opportunities are there for students and how do you find them?

  • How does the college help students find internships and co-ops?

  • APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES-questions for Admissions Representatives

  • What percent of students submit test optional? What is the breakdown of admittance for test optional vs apply with scores?

  • Is there a priority deadline for financial aid applications?

  • What percent of students are awarded merit scholarships? Are they renewable for all four years?

  • What percent of the students who receive these scholarships still have them junior and senior year? (What are the qualifications for keeping the scholarship?)