College Visits

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Visiting colleges is a GREAT way to get a feel for what college is like.  You should be able to walk onto campus and just know if it is for you or not!  Here's what you do.

PRIOR TO LEAVING

You will need to get prior approval from Mrs. Haden and the Counseling Center so your college visit will be an excused absence.  Pick up the forms from the Counseling Center or print the forms available here:

COLLEGE VISIT PRIOR APPROVAL FORM

COLLEGE VISIT RETURN FORM

ARRANGE A VISIT

All colleges have admission offices that can help you plan your visit. Take these important first steps:

  • Contact the college admission office through the college's website or by email or phone to get details and make a reservation.

  • Schedule time to be on your own. Walk around the public areas of the college and don't be shy about asking students questions.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Campus visits can range from a quick hour to an overnight stay, from a casual guided tour to a formal presentation. Be sure to ask how long the whole visit will take so you can be prepared.

Most campus visits will include the following:

  • An information session. An admission representative talks to you or your group about the college before the campus tour.

  • A campus tour. These are usually led by current students. You’ll see the main parts of the campus and have a chance to ask questions.

At many colleges, you can also arrange to do the following:

  • Attend a class.

  • Meet with a professor.

  • Meet with an admission officer.

  • Meet with a financial aid officer.

  • Attend a club meeting or a sports practice session.

  • Eat in the dining hall.

  • Spend the night in a dorm.

GET READY

Before your visit, you should get prepared:

  • Explore the college’s official website and review any materials the college has sent you. This will help you come up with questions specific to that college.

  • Make a list of questions to ask both staff and students.

  • Get a map of the college campus and check where the admission office is. This will help ensure that you're on time for your visit.

When you're ready to go, remember to do the following:

  • Pack a notebook and a camera so you can record your impressions. You’d be surprised at how easy it is to forget details after you’ve seen a few colleges.

  • Make fair comparisons of the colleges you visit.