Nothing is more important than getting a detailed look at any college you are seriously considering.
Here are some tips for getting the most from a campus visit:
- Visit while school is in session.
- Record as much information as possible at the admissions office information session.
- Stay in touch with the admissions person you meet at the information session.
- Keep asking yourself whether the school meets all your needs.
- Meet and stay in touch with the admissions officer who is likely to read your application.
- Investigate the school’s student support services — health, counseling, career services, etc.
- Evaluate the school’s extracurricular activities.
- Sit in on a class.
- Talk to faculty members and students.
- Tour a representative freshman dorm.
- Eat at the cafeteria.
- Think about your tolerance of the year-round climate.
- Walk or drive around the local community.
- Ask your parents what they think.
Other things to look for:
- Popular classes: Are they too big? Too small? How easy is it to get into the classes you want?
- Academic and administrative offices: Is the staff friendly? Eager to answer questions? How accessible are faculty?
- Student Union: Is it bustling with activity? Do the students seem happy?
- Library: Are the students studying or socializing? Would you be able to study there?
- Career Center: Are there sufficient (and interesting) jobs posted? Are there employment opportunities for both students (part-time) and graduates (full-time)?
- Students: Are they friendly? Interesting? People you’d feel comfortable around?
- Local hangouts: Would you be able to unwind there?
Questions to ask:
- What are the students’ chief gripes?
- Who teaches the classes—professors or graduate assistants? What are classes like?
- What is the freshman retention rate? (Kaplan says it should be 93% or better.)
- Why do students leave?
- How long does it take most students to graduate?
- What is the average percentage of demonstrated need met by financial aid?
- What opportunities are there for students? How many take advantage of them?
- How good is the school at helping students find jobs or get into graduate school?
- What is the social life like?
- What happens on weekends? Do most students stay on campus or go home?
