Turning 17-18 is a bittersweet age. You are older, mature, even. You are finally reaching sweet, sweet freedom. But, this age also comes with the decision of what you will do for the next four years post-graduation.
College visits are a productive way to land on a decision. After reading, you will know how to prepare for a college visit, what questions to ask on a campus tour, and other college visit tips.
College Tours: Pre-Visit Breakdown
Knowing what to do before a visit can be overwhelming, but there are a number of things you can do beforehand to best equip you for your experience.
What is a College Visit?
A college visit is a hands-on experience with the college of your choice. “Hands-on” means that depending on what you scheduled, you have the opportunity to tour the campus (including dorms, dining halls, libraries, student unions, fitness centers, and more), an in-depth
tour of your chosen major for the tour specifically, a meeting with a professor of that major, and sitting in on an active class.
For the best all-around experience, I recommend doing as much as you can! Choosing to do the major-specific tour or sitting in on an active class is an insightful way to see where and how students, just like you, are working day-to-day. Meeting with a professor gives you the opportunity to ask personalized questions about your major and you get to know them a bit too! Be invested in this adventure to give yourself the most accurate view; the time flies by and you may not visit again.
A Google Search Won’t Do it All
To know what’s coming, research the college. Embrace the school’s culture and what it has to offer. Know, however, that Google reviews aren't your reviews. Visit credible websites instead of relying on Google AI Overview. If you have an idea of some things that may be deal breakers,
Niche is an excellent website to check out. They rank colleges based on:
Student-Focused
• Student Life
• Student Wellness
• Future Readiness
• Safety
• Diversity
• Athletics
• Party Scene
Campus-Focused
• Campus
• Location
• Academics
• Dorms
• Campus food
• Professors
• Value
Although you won't fully know what you like until you get there, reliable websites will take you in the right direction.
Check Your Email!
Checking your email and phone logs is an extremely important part of the process that people often forget. Updates and changes will be sent out regularly. Your schedule for the day will most likely be sent out by email. I recommend checking it out multiple times before the day comes. Be mindful that changes can happen as campuses are active.
Making it Your Visit
Something not everyone thinks of is asking those you know who attend what their experience has been like. Hearing from a real student is far different than a glorified tour and Google review.
The guide's job is to introduce you to all parts of the campus. While some tours are in large groups, some may consist of two – three other people, or just you! They may ask you for a brief overview of who you are, where you live, the
activities/sports you participate in, and what major you are thinking of. This helps them make the tour personal and gear information and statistics towards you.
If you don't know what questions to ask during the visit, ChatGPT can generate questions about the college from general to major focused! The more specific you are when typing, the better.
For example: “I will be visiting a university and have the opportunity to meet individually with a professor from the (specific) department. Could you provide 5–7 thoughtful questions for the professor that will help me learn more about the programs, faculty, student opportunities, internships, career preparation, and what makes the program unique?”
These simple actions will best prepare you for your college visit!
College Tours: Productivity on Campus
Productivity on campus looks like conversation, questions, and exploration.
Taking Action
There are two main important actions to take on your visit.
Go out of the way to ask questions to anyone and everyone you see: tour guides, other students, and professors. Allison Willrich, a student contributor for Fastweb, says in her article, “
7 Essential College Visit Tips: A Campus Tour Guide’s Insider Advice,” to ask questions you can’t ask Google. She also mentions in that the following are good questions to ask:
• What is the campus community/culture like?
• What opportunities and experiences are unique to the school?
• What is their fondest memory of their college experience?
• What is something that surprised them about the college experience?
• Is there anything they wish they knew prior to attending the school?
Explore where you can. This includes the town/city. This is where you will live for the next few years. What’s important to you? The social life, the safety, the food, maybe the accessibility? Your favorite restaurant may be around the corner. Imagine you enjoy working out, but there aren't any gyms nearby. Take these ideas into consideration.
Go With the Flow
Meeting with professors is a great way to build relationships before you step on campus for your first day of college. Some may remember your face or even small facts you shared! If you plan to meet with someone in a specific department, try to be loose. Relax your shoulders and be you!
Every professor I have met with has especially loved that I was prepared with questions and comments to add on to answers. Taking 10 minutes to prepare questions before your visit puts you a step in the right direction and shows that you cared enough to prep ahead of time. Go with the flow if the conversation starts to go in another direction; they may have answers to questions you haven't thought of yet.
College Tours: Post-Visit Evaluation
You do not have to know exactly what you want after the visit! You can always change your mind about anything. Organize and file the facts and your thoughts onto paper. Trust your mind, and more importantly, your heart.
Pros and Cons
Many things in life call for a list, but a post-visit pros and cons list will
make any decision made much simpler. Write everything: what you like, what you hate, what is interesting, etc. Afterwards, if you have visited any other colleges, rank them on various subjects! Making this a game of sorts will provide clarity for the future. If your parents attend as well, talk to them about what they noticed! Most times they notice small yet vital things that you don’t.
Allison Willrich
mentions in her article that there will be a plethora of information being thrown your way. Reflecting as soon as you leave campus will help you clearly remember what to jot down. She recommends the following:
Statistics that stood out to you
Programs and opportunities that piqued your interest
Emotions you felt both on campus and in the surrounding area.
Commitment Issues
Eventually you will have to make a decision. Scary, I know. But know that you’re not stuck! In my experience, as someone who has visited multiple colleges, many guides have
shared their story of switching majors multiple times while attending college.
That being said, nothing has to be permanent. Stay true to you! Go with what your list, ranking, and gut tell you. If you decide to commit, go back! Visit one last time to confirm your thoughts and soak it all in.
Remember, to make the most of a college visit, you should be prepared, ask questions, put yourself out there, and be all-in on the experience. This is YOUR future and you ARE ready.
