We've written about the importance of visiting all types of colleges, even those you might not necessarily apply to. But, when you’re finally touring a campus you are really excited about attending and truly seeing if it’s the right fit, here are some more specific and long term characteristics to keep in mind:
Be Present: Pay close attention to your surroundings. How does the campus make you feel? Take pictures and make some notes during the tour so you can refer to them later.
Location Matters: Is it close to a city? How easy is it to get around (public transportation, car needed, close to an airport)?
Academics: Research your majors of interest. What are the class sizes like? What resources are available, and when does a student have to declare their major? Do some programs have a specialized requirement?
Ask the tour guides about their largest and smallest class sizes and how the classes differ between majors.
Campus Life: Explore housing and dining options. Is there enough space for students to reside on campus all 4 years, or will you need to look for an apartment off campus during one or more of your years?
Observe student life – how do they spend their time? Does the campus have a big sports program? What are students talking about on campus? Is there a Greek system? What % participate?
Ask the tour guide to explain 3-5 activities they enjoy on campus.
Career Services: What support is offered for internships, job searches, and career exploration? What are students doing after graduation? What % get jobs, go on to grad school or take time off?
Locate the career center (it should be within a central area with all other
academic, financial and mental health resources) and take note of what's
posted and available.
By asking the right questions, you can gain valuable insights into each campus and determine if it's the right fit for you. Ask yourself what keeps you coming back to this school each year, and what’s your favorite thing about it? What makes it different than any other school you’d like to attend?
Take time at your visit to reflect and talk with other students, enjoy the process, and good luck with your college search!
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