Categories
Articles

Making the Most Out of Your College Visits

College visits are an incredibly important part of the college admissions process. In addition to helping students gain a better understanding of what the college has to offer, they can also play a role in helping a student gain admission.

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visits:

Attend an information session and campus tour

Most colleges offer information sessions and campus tours for prospective students. These are great opportunities to learn more about the school and get a feel for the campus. Make sure to be engaged and ask questions during the presentation, which are often given by the very people who will be reading your application.

95%

Students who report that a campus tour is important in their decision to enroll, according to one survey

Meet with an admissions officer

Try to arrange a meeting with one of the college’s admissions representatives. By meeting with an admissions rep, you’ll be able to ask specific questions and at the same time demonstrate your interest in the college. Demonstrated interest is a factor that approximately 50% of four-year colleges consider when assessing applications. The smaller the college, the more likely they are to consider demonstrated interest.

Sit in on a class

If possible, try to attend a class in your area of interest. This will give you a better sense of what the academic experience is like at the school and whether the teaching style and classroom environment are a good fit for you. Also ask about the facilities related to your intended major—you want to know what resources and hands-on learning opportunities are available.

Explore the surrounding area

Take some time to get a feel for the area around campus, to better understand what it’s like to live there. This can include checking out nearby restaurants, shops and cultural attractions, as well as looking at housing options. Remember, this is the place that you’ll call home for the next few years!

Overall, the key is to be curious and attentive during your visit. Visiting is the best way to figure out if a school is the right fit for you and may even help you get accepted.