Visiting a college campus plays a vital role in the college admission process for both the student and college. The student is able to see firsthand what the campus grounds, building, staff and students are like, and the college gets to see what the student’s personality and character is like. The recommended time to visit a college campus is during the spring of the student’s junior year of high school through the fall of their senior year. Visiting during the summer is fine but realize that most college student will not be there so you may not get the full vibe of the college.
In order to schedule your campus visit come up with a day and time that works best for you and your family (always have a back up date too just in case) and then call the college to see what their availability may be. Most college websites will have their available hours of operation and all of the contact information. It is very important for the student to be making this phone call as this is your education and you need to start taking responsibility for it yourself. When visiting the college, show up prepared and nicely dressed. You do not have to wear a suit but look at it this way: would you wear a t-shirt and jeans to a job interview? This interview will help you get into the college you want; thus, the career you want. The major things to accomplish during a campus visit are to tour the campus and have an Admission interview. Touring the campus allows you to see class rooms, residence halls, sport and recreational facilities, libraries, student centers and any other areas of interest. For example, if you are interested in majoring in Nursing, ask to see the nursing labs or if you want to be on TV or Radio ask to see the stations. The Admission interview is your time to shine and allows your personality to shine through, allowing the Admission Counselor to acknowledge your potential at the college and lets them put a face with your name. This is also your time to ask questions and this is where being prepared comes into play. Having a list of questions to ask shows that you’re interested and you have the maturity of wanting to find the right college.
Here are some great questions to ask:
What are the class sizes?
What is the student to teacher ratio?
Are there any support services like tutoring and is it free?
Is housing guaranteed?
Are there any resources on campus for internships and job placements?
How are your study abroad programs?
How are the sports programs, intramurals, weekend life and activities?
What is the % of students that live on campus? Percent that are out of state and where?
What is the student retention rate?
More questions include: is there part time or full time faculty?, future strategic plan for the college?, what is allowed in the residence halls?, wireless and where?, meal plans and what is the surrounding area like? Some good final questions include: why the counselor likes working for the college and what makes that college different from the rest? After the interview, ask for a business card so you can send a personal thank you card.
If you are traveling and trying to see as many colleges as you can in a set amount of time think about this: the average college campus tour is around one hour and the Admission interview will last around thirty minutes to an hour. If you schedule yourself to meet with a coach or person from any other specific program then that is additional time as well. This can add up to around three or more hours at just one college so I suggest only two colleges a day; one morning visit and one later afternoon visit is plenty. This will allow your brain to let it all sink in as there is a lot of information flying at you for one day. If for some reason you are going to be late for your appointment or cannot attend at all, make sure to call and cancel. Not showing up without explanation is unacceptable.
To conclude, always have this in the back of your mind: the Admission Counselor’s job is to find students that can add to the prestige of their university. What do you possess that they are looking for? What are their weaknesses you can help to make their strengths- academically and socially? Sell that and you will have them knocking on your door.
By: Aaron F. Smith and Jerrod Zertuche
University Advisors
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