What should I bring on a college visit?

When visiting a college, bring a notepad or digital device to take notes, a campus map, comfortable shoes, and a list of questions you want to ask during the visit. It’s also helpful to have a water bottle, an umbrella, and any required identification or confirmation emails for the tour.

How to prepare for a college visit?

To prepare for a college visit, research the school ahead of time, come up with a list of questions, schedule your visit through the admissions office, and plan your route. Dress appropriately for walking around campus, and take the time to familiarize yourself with the college's programs, campus life, and student services.

What are official college visits?

Official college visits are organized campus tours or visits arranged by the admissions office. These visits often include a guided tour of the campus, informational sessions about academic programs and student life, and sometimes meetings with admissions counselors or professors. In some cases, they may also include a stay on campus to experience college life firsthand.

What are 5 benefits of a college visit?

Five benefits of a college visit include: 1) Getting a firsthand feel for the campus environment, 2) Meeting current students and faculty, 3) Exploring the school's facilities like dorms and dining halls, 4) Learning more about specific academic programs, and 5) Asking questions directly to admissions staff or professors.

Are college visits worth it?

Yes, college visits are worth it. They provide an opportunity to experience the campus environment, ask personalized questions, and see whether the school is a good fit for your academic and personal needs. Visiting can also give you a clearer picture of campus culture and resources that might not be apparent online.

How long are college tours typically?

College tours typically last between one and two hours. The length of the tour depends on the size of the campus, the details provided by the guide, and any additional events or sessions included, such as information talks or meetings with admissions staff.

What are good questions to ask when touring a college?

Some good questions to ask during a college tour include: What are the dorms like? What support services are available to students? What extracurricular activities are popular? How easy is it to change majors? What internship or career opportunities does the school provide?

What questions to ask when looking for a college?

When looking for a college, ask questions about class sizes, campus culture, academic programs, housing options, internship and career placement rates, available financial aid, and student life activities. It’s also important to ask how accessible professors are and what kind of student support services are available.

Why is it important to ask questions on a college visit?

Asking questions during a college visit helps you gather essential information that can aid in making an informed decision. It allows you to clarify details about the academic programs, student life, financial aid, and career services. Plus, it gives you a better sense of whether the school fits your goals and preferences.

How do I prepare for a college visit?

To prepare for a college visit, make sure to research the school beforehand, know the questions you want to ask, confirm your visit details with the admissions office, and plan your travel route. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the programs you’re interested in and make a checklist of what you want to see on campus.

What should you consider before scheduling a college visit?

Before scheduling a college visit, consider factors like the best time to visit (during the school year when students are on campus), how the visit fits into your academic and travel schedule, whether the college offers official tours or information sessions, and how to make the most of your visit by attending classes or speaking with professors if possible.

Can you wear jeans to a college visit?

Yes, you can wear jeans to a college visit as long as you are comfortable and the weather is suitable. It's important to dress appropriately for walking around campus, so opt for comfortable shoes and casual but neat attire. Avoid overly casual or distracting outfits.

What are three questions you should ask during a school visit?

Three good questions to ask during a school visit include: 1) What academic support services are available to students? 2) How does the school help with internships and career placement? 3) What is campus life like on the weekends?

What questions should you ask a college representative?

When speaking with a college representative, ask about the school’s academic strengths, opportunities for internships and research, the campus culture, and financial aid options. It’s also a good idea to inquire about post-graduate success rates and how the school helps students transition to their careers.

College Visit Checklist

College Counseling

Aug 23

Written By Lynne Fuller

As a college counselor, it is important to guide your students on what to ask during their college visits to help them make informed decisions.

Here is a list of questions to ask when visiting colleges:

Dorms:

What are the housing options available for freshmen and upperclassmen?
What is the cost of living on campus?
How are roommates assigned?
Are there any themed living communities available?
What amenities are provided in the dorms (i.e., kitchen, laundry, study rooms, etc.)?
Are there any quiet hours or rules to follow?
Is housing guaranteed for four years?
If students live off campus, what is the typical rent for a student?
Are cars allowed on campus?
What is the campus crime rate like and do you have any security protocol?
Is there a blue light system, night security, or shuttle system to help you get home safely at night?

Dining hall:

What meal plans are required, and what do they include?
What are the hours of operation?
Are there any dietary restrictions that are accommodated?
What dining options are available throughout campus and can you use your meal plan to eat at restaurants in town?
Are there any specialty dining options available?
How are meal swipes or points tracked?
How is the quality of food? (Be sure to eat on campus and check it out for yourself!)

Wellness center:

What health services are available to students?
What counseling services are available, and how can students access them?
Are there any wellness programs available to students?
Do they offer specialized stress-relief events throughout the most stressful times of the school year including midterms and finals? (Think puppies in the quad or yoga)
Are students allowed to bring their comfort animals to school?

School in which the student will major:

What majors are available, and how many students typically enroll in each major?
What is the average class size for the student’s major?
What opportunities are available for research, internships, or experiential learning in the student’s major?
How easy is it to change your major?
Can you sit in on a class and listen to how professors in your intended major teach?

Campus quad:

What events or activities are typically held on the campus quad?
Are there any outdoor study areas or seating available?
What is the size of the campus quad?
How friendly and welcoming are students as they cross the quad - are they on their phones or looking up and engaging with passersby?
What shuttle services are available to get groceries, go to a drug store, or pick up food from off campus?

Recreation center:

What fitness equipment and facilities are available to students?
Are there any fitness classes available to students?
What non-division sports are offered to students, think flag football, kickball, pickleball, ultimate frisbee, and dodgeball?
Is there a fee to access the recreation center?
How does the campus community come together? Is it around sports, traditions, arts, or other activities?

Academic Support:

What tutoring or academic support services are available to students?
Are there any study groups or peer mentoring programs available?
Is there a writing center, math center, or peer-tutoring available?
Are there any fees associated with academic support services?
How do class sizes impact the ability for students to engage with their professors - think Intro to Psychology can usually have 300+ in a class vs Intro to English?

Library:

What resources are available in the library (i.e., books, journals, online databases)?
Are there any quiet study rooms or spaces available in the library?
Is there 24/7 IT assistance in the library?
How many quiet spaces are scattered throughout the school?

Student Center:

What is campus life like?
Are there any student clubs or organizations based in the student center?
Is there Greek life on campus? How much of the campus community is involved?
What do students do for fun both on and off campus?
What is the vibe on campus during weekends?

Career center:

What career services are available to students?
Are there any job or internship fairs hosted by the career center?
What resources are available to help students with their job search?
Where have students interned?
How long does it take to find a full-time job after graduation?
What kind of mentorship is available?
Does the school use its alumni to help its current students find a job?
What kinds of on campus part-time jobs are available?

Remember, college visits and campus tours are an important opportunity for students to get a feel for the campus and learn more about what the college has to offer. Encourage your students to take advantage of this campus visit checklist and ask as many questions as possible. If you have any questions about the college admissions process, college tours, or even how to prepare for interviews do not hesitate to reach out to College Flight Path for support.

Lynne Fuller https://www.collegeflightpath.com

College Visit Checklist

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