COLLEGE Corner…….Excerpts from ACT Discover Newsletter
Making the Most of College Visits
You have decided to go to college!. Congratulations! Now you have many other complicated decisions to make. Most people wouldn’t but a care without at least taking it for a test drive. Likewise, it’s important to visit colleges you are interested in attending to make sure they are right for you. You will be amazed at how much one visit can teach you about a school. Below are some suggestions to help you get the most out of your college visits.
Before You Go
Research schools that interest you. Ask for a college catalogue and visit the website for more information.
Jot down a list of questions to take with you on the visits. Keep them handy and don’t be afraid to ask about anything.
Make an appointment to visit the campus. Most schools set aside certain days and times for guided tours but are also willing to adjust your travel schedule travel. Visit during the fall or spring if possible, not at holiday or exam times. Students and faculty will be more readily available to talk to you.
Find out if you can stay overnight in a dorm. Most schools can make arrangements for this, and it is an excellent way to spend time with students and learn about their college experiences.
During the Visit
Lose the guided tour. After your official tour, walk around campus by yourself or with your family. Talk to others and get the feel of the campus atmosphere. Are people friendly and receptive to your questions?
Sit in a class. Visit the type of class most first year students are required to take. How does the class size vs. number of teachers measure up? Are classes small enough to facilitate asking questions?
Visit the computer lab. Is the equipment up to date? Are there enough computers or are the people waiting in line for a turn at the computer?...Do the dorms have computers available for use?..Are the rooms equipped for access to use your own computer?
Go to the library and browse the shelves. Are various subjects well represented? Are the sitting areas conducive to quite study?...Do they have late hours of operation?
Check out the social scene. Find out where students get together to socialize. This includes the laundry and athletic facilities since those activities will be part of your daily life.
Watch out for signs of neglect or disrepair. Take a look at the buildings and grounds as you walk around. Do they look well-kept?
Visit the dining room and eat the food. Is there a variety of options? Do you like it? You’ll be eating it for the next four years.
Questions to ask
How accessible are faculty members. Visit a building or department where you will be taking classes and ask to meet a professor. Talk to that person about your interest in his/her field of expertise. How well you relate to that individual may help you decide if this college is the college for you. Are there enough courses offered in your subject area to satisfy your requirements and interests? How does the faculty in your area if interest rank in academic achievement?
What type of financial aid do I qualify for at this school? Locate the financial aid office while you are on campus and get information about scholarships, loans, grants, or work study.
What else is there to do besides study? Study is only one part of campus life, so ask about extracurricular activities. Where is the nearest town for shopping and movies? How reliable is the local transportation?
What about campus security. Check the crime statistics with the admissions or public safety office. How does the school address security concerns? Do students feel reasonably safe on campus?
As you consider issues like location, major, cost, take time to visit several campuses and get the feel of what it would be like living and studying at each one. College visits can help you make sure you are comfortable and happy with both the academic institution’s offerings and surroundings.