Episode 14: The Utility and Intangible Benefits of the College Visit
Date of Publication/发布日期
December 4, 2020
Author/发布者
Curtis Westbay
Language/语言
English
Files & media
Volume
Volume 1 2020-2021
The Benefits of the College Visit
During my educational career I have spoken with many upper school and college students about the significant benefits of visiting colleges and universities as part of the college admissions process. Let’s identify these benefits, and explain why the college visit is such an important step for college applicants.
College and University Admissions offices are looking for students who have demonstrated interest in their college by taking an official college campus tour.
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Visiting colleges and universities that you are interested in and registering for a campus tour will increase your chances of being admitted to that college or university.
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Register online in advance for an official college tour.
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Check ahead on the college website to make sure you are visiting the campus at a good time. It is always best to visit the campus while classes are in session in order to get a feel for what campus life is actually like.
Finding the right fit for you is critically important.
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Visiting your prospective college or university will allow you to observe for yourself what the campus and surrounding area is like, which will likely be different in many ways what you may have read online through the college website.
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Can you picture yourself living in this area for the next four (or more) years? Is this the right climate for you? Would you prefer to enroll in a college in a location that has four seasons - including snowy winters – or would you prefer something warm all year long?
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Are you interested in attending a large university campus or prefer something smaller? Would you prefer a rural or urban setting? Interested in attending classes in a large lecture hall or small class setting?
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Are you interested in a research institution or liberal arts college?
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What about the surrounding area? Are you looking for other recreational things to do off campus?
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Visit all the colleges on your prospective list and take detailed notes and photos.
Whenisthebesttimetovisit?
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During your junior year or right after your junior year in high school is the best time to visit, after you have put together your preferred college/university list.
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It is preferable to visit colleges and university campuses while classes are in session so that you can get an accurate idea of what campus life is like.
Do your research ahead of time! Does this college or university have the kinds of programs that interest you? Review the course catalogs in advance. What are the undergrad requirements at the colleges that interest you most?
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Are Co-ops or internship opportunities available?
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Does the college offer clubs and/or group activities that interest you?
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Does the college promote the arts? What about athletic opportunities?
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During your campus tour, be sure to visit classrooms, cafeteria, library, fitness center, student center, and dormitories. Have a meal at the cafeteria.
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Ask questions during tours, presentations and info sessions.
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Sit in on a live class. How many students are in the class? What is the interaction/engagement like between students and the professor?
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In addition to the tour, be sure to also explore campus on your own. Speak with random teachers, students and staff on campus about their own personal experiences at that school.
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Is the school welcoming to Chinese students? Is there a Chinese student organization?
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Visit the dormitories: what are they like? Are they comfortable? Clean? Safe and secure? Well maintained? Close to where your classes are scheduled? How many roommates will you have?
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What makes this college unique? Any noteworthy landmarks or historic sites?
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Are counselors and mental health services available? What about medical concerns if an emergency comes up?
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Make an appointment to speak with a professor, admissions officer, and financial aid officer.
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Keep notes on each campus that you visit. Take pictures. Maintain correspondence with contacts.
Afteryourcollege/universityvisit:
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Afterwards, compare the notes you took of different colleges during your visit, and speak with your parents about what you discovered. Is that one school you dreamed of still the right fit, or have you changed you mind after the college tour? That is a very common outcome, and underscores the importance of the college visit. Remember that this step is a very important part of the process of selecting the right college for you, and you want to make the right decision.
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Be sure to continue to communicate with anyone you may have met with during your college or university visit. By communicating with college admissions counselors and other college representatives, you are demonstrating your interest in that college. Admissions counselors take note of that.
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Of course, with a global pandemic still raging, it is possible that virtual campus tours online will be the only option for awhile, but hopefully the world will overcome this global scourge and colleges and universities will once again allow live campus tours by next year.
The numerous benefits of the campus tour will ensure that you have all the information you need to select the college or university that is right for you!
Curtis Westbay