Making a College Visit

 

One of the most helpful resources in your college selection process is the college visit.  The visit gives you the opportunity to see the facilities and to visit with students and faculty.  Every college puts its "best foot forward" in printed publications and on their web page. 

Remember, the college you choose will be your new "home" for a number of years.  The best time to visit a college is when classes are in session so that you can get a true feel of the campus.  Summer visits can also be helpful.  However, they will not provide you with as many opportunities to see all that the campus has to offer. 

 

Some tips on campus visits

 

  1. Set up an appointment with the college admission office for a campus tour.  Phone numbers and admission counselors can be found on the college or university website.  Highly competitive colleges may be booked for the summer by June 1, so call before then.  Take an unofficial high school transcript with you.
  2. Arrange to visit a class, especially one that pertains to a major that you are considering.
  3. Eat a meal in the dining hall to get a good view of the students on campus as well as the quality of the food!
  4. Take a comprehensive tour including the facilities, classrooms and residence halls.
  5. If you want to spend the night in the residence hall, make arrangements through the college admission office or with a student you know at the college.
  6. Talk to an admission officer to discuss your chances for success at the college.
  7. Look at bulletin boards in the student center to see what activities are offered on campus, both college and non-college sponsored.
  8. Research the basic information on the school before your visit so that you can ask helpful and meaningful questions while you are visiting.

 

Questions to Ask and Things to Consider During a College Visit

(Click here for a printable version of these questions to take with you on campus visits)

Campus

  1. Is the campus appealing to you?
  2. Is there a town with restaurants, shopping, etc. nearby or does the campus have adequate facilities to meet your needs?
  3. How are the buildings maintained, both inside and out?

Housing and Dining

  1. Are new students required to live on campus?
  2. What types of housing are available to freshmen?
  3. How are roommates assigned?
  4. Are the places of residence fully furnished?  What furnishings will you have to bring?
  5. What study facilities are available in the residence halls?
  6. Where are the dining facilities located?  What are the options for a meal plan?

Atmosphere

  1. What is the atmosphere on campus? (preppy, geographically diverse, ethnically diverse, conservative, liberal, homogeneous?)
  2. Do you see yourself "fitting in" while still being exposed to a diverse group of people?
  3. Does the faculty appear to be friendly and helpful in their attitudes and relationships with the students?
  4. Do the students seem to be interested and serious in their studies?
  5. What is the make-up of the student body? (number of students enrolled, male/female ratio. commuter/residential, most popular majors)
  6. What is special, unique distinctive, or outstanding about your school?

Recreational and Special Facilities

  1. Is there a student union or commons which serves as a major center for student activities?  What clubs or activities are offered?
  2. Are there intramural and intercollegiate sports? What types of facilities does the college have to support these activities?
  3. What fraternities, sororities, or clubs does the college offer?  Do organizations have their own houses, or are they housed in college-owned buildings?  What percent of students belong      to fraternities and sororities?
  4. What student services are available? (career planning and placement, counseling, academic advising, etc.)

Spiritual Life

  1. Is there a chapel on campus?
  2. Is attendance at chapel required or elective?
  3. Is there a church of your denomination nearby?
  4. What types of fellowship groups exist on campus?  How many students are involved?
  5. What opportunities for ministry are there on and off campus? 

College Costs

  1. What is the average total cost per year for students including books, fees, and travel expenses?
  2. How does one apply for financial assistance?  What aid is available?
  3. Can the payment of college costs be handled on a monthly or other deferred payment plan?
  4. What other estimated costs are there for belonging to social clubs, fraternities or sororities?

The Classroom

  1. What is the typical student/professor ratio for freshmen?  What is the average size class on campus?
  2. Is the library up-to-date?  Are there ample study areas?
  3. How accessible are campus computing facilities?
  4. Are there adequate laboratory facilities for the major you are interested in?
  5. Do you accept AP credit?  What scores are needed to receive college credit?
  6. Are classes taught by professors or graduate students?
  7. What opportunities are there to study abroad?

 

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