A college's website can tell you a lot, but nothing replaces the experience of setting foot on campus. A college visit is your best chance to gauge the "vibe" of a school and determine if it's a place you could call home for four years.
Whether you're doing an official tour or just exploring on your own, a little planning can help you get the most out of your visit.
Before You Go
- Schedule an Official Tour: This is a must-do. The official tour, led by a current student, is the best way to see the key facilities and get a structured overview of the campus.
- Book an Information Session: Usually paired with the tour, this session is led by an admissions officer who will discuss the school, its programs, and the application process.
- Try to Arrange a Meeting: If you have a strong academic or extracurricular interest, be proactive. Email the relevant department and ask if you could briefly meet with a professor or the leader of a specific club. This is a fantastic way to demonstrate interest.
- Prepare Questions: Don't ask questions that are easily answered on the website (e.g., "How many students are there?"). Prepare thoughtful questions for your tour guide, admissions officers, or any students you meet.
During Your Visit: Go Beyond the Tour
The official tour is a great starting point, but the real insights come from what you do afterward.
- Eat in the Dining Hall: This is a great way to observe current students in their natural habitat. Is the atmosphere social and collaborative, or do students mostly keep to themselves?
- Wander Around Campus Yourself: Walk through the student center, browse the bookstore, and find the main library. Sit on a bench in the main quad for 15 minutes and just people-watch.
- Explore the Surrounding Area: What is the town or neighborhood like? Are there coffee shops, restaurants, and stores within walking distance? Do you feel safe?
- Talk to a Real Student (Not on a Tour): This can be intimidating, but it's invaluable. Politely stop a student and ask them for 30 seconds of their time. Ask them, "What's the best and worst thing about going to school here?" You'll get a more candid answer than from a tour guide.
- Grab a Student Newspaper: It's a great source for learning about current campus issues, events, and student concerns.
After Your Visit
- Take Notes: As soon as you leave campus, jot down your impressions. What did you like? What did you dislike? What surprised you? These notes will be incredibly helpful when you're writing your "Why Us?" supplemental essays months later.
- Send a Thank-You Note: If you met with a specific admissions officer, professor, or coach, send a brief, polite email thanking them for their time.
A college visit is an essential part of your research. Use it to gather not just facts, but feelings. Your gut impression of a campus is a valid and important piece of data in your decision-making process.