The Campus Visit
What to do before, during and after a campus visit.
There’s really no substitute for setting foot on a college campus. Marketing materials, such as websites and viewbooks, can tell you only so much about what it’s like to be a student there. Spending time among current students and faculty, however, will give you a much better picture of the campus culture. Here’s how to maximize that experience.
1. Schedule a tour. Most schools let you set this up online, either by submitting a form or sending an email. You can also call the school’s admissions office.
2. Take a digital tour first. Look around the website to find specific facilities, areas or events that interest you — and mention these when you schedule your in-person tour.
3. Ask questions. Although tour guides prepare routes and facts in advance, they are also usually current students who can answer most of your questions. Consider asking about support for first-year students, how professors handle office hours, what sporting events most people attend and any other questions you may have.
4. Participate. While you’re on campus, eat in the dining hall, attend a student event, ask to sit in on a class and wander around the library. Say ‘hello’ to people and tell them you’re a prospective student. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and find out why they were drawn to the school and what their experience has been like.
5. Follow up. After your visit, send a thank-you email to your admissions officer and tour guide, if possible. Mention a couple of details that you appreciated and ask any questions that popped up between then and now.
With a little preparation and follow-through, you can make sure that your campus visits give you all of the information you need to make an informed choice about your educational future.
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