Your Complete College Visit Checklist

Your Complete College Visit Checklist College visits are a great opportunity to identify first-hand whether or not a particular college is the right fit for you. Before embarking on a campus visit, its key to develop a checklist of what you hope to accomplish: come prepared with questions to ask your tour guide or various campus representatives, interact with current students, sit in on a college class, and connect with professors. Hoping to make the most of your campus visit? Keep reading to discover your complete college visit checklist. Do your research, and attend college visits with questions in hand When preparing for college visits, its important to compile a list of questions you hope to get answered during your visit. School websites offer a plethora of information, but its impossible to find answers to all of your specific questions online. Your list of questions may include the following: Questions to ask about campus resources, such as the fitness center or the counseling and health services Questions to ask your intended major department regarding course options and major-related opportunities Questions to ask your tour guide about admissions, dorm life, and other unique experiences the school offers In addition, the students at the college youre visiting will be your best resource. Ask them what their favorite thing about their school is, as well as one thing they wish they could change. By embarking on your campus visit with a well-planned list of questions, youll be able to engage in more thoughtful conversation on the visit and have a better experience overall. [RELATED: How to Choose the Right Match Schools] During your college visit, attend a class Sitting in on a college class is a great way to get a better understanding of the school. It can also help you get a better grasp of what youre looking for in your educational experience at college. For example, if youre coming from a very small high school, you might be excited to experience a lecture hall with many students. Or perhaps youre looking for a specialty program in the performing arts. Sitting in on an acting class can give you a direct sense of the philosophy of the school and aid in your upcoming admissions decision. [RELATED: What is a College Lecture?] Speak to a professor on your college visit If youre able to attend a class, introduce yourself to the professor afterwards. Generally, professors will be happy to chat for a few minutes and answer any brief questions you may have. They can be a great resource and provide unique insight into the school experience. They can also point you toward certain programs and classes to check out, and offer reasons this specific program stands out at this school. During your college visit, meet with an academic advisor Many universities will offer you the chance to connect with a counselor of a particular department within the university. Dont pass this upthey can be a great resource in answering specific questions about your intended area of study. They know exactly what kind of courses you have to take to graduate, as well as whether you will have room in your schedule for a double major or minor. Prepare some thoughtful questions so that you can come away with helpful information. [RELATED: 3 Questions to Ask Your Guidance Counselor About College] Take notes and pictures during your college visit This might not be the only college you visit. Sometimes, the campuses all start to blend together. While youre on the visit, take pictures of the campus and other notable sights you want to remember. Also, take notes after your visit to help you remember what you likedand what you didntso that you can factor all this information into your final decision. Plan an overnight college visit, if possible Many colleges offer an overnight visit in which you can stay with a student. This is a fantastic way to explore the student life at a particular school before committing. You can experience the dorms, dining halls, classes, libraries, and all that a school has to offer. Its also a great way to see how the students spend their free time on campus. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.