College-Matters

View Original

The Right Way to Do a Campus Visit

Now is the time for juniors to plan visits to college campuses.  Try to carve out time this spring to see a few schools on your list while students are there so that you get a real sense of the campus culture. Inevitably, you will run out of time and have to schedule some visits for over the summer when there are few, if any, students on campus, but seeing as many campuses as you can while classes are in session is most valuable.  And don’t forget to take a few notes on things that strike you while you’re there, especially about specific programs or characteristics that appeal to you. This information will be key as you consider which colleges you want to apply to in the fall and for writing the supplemental essay about why you want to attend this particular school - a commonly required application question.  It’s easy to forget or confuse details after visiting several schools in a row! Also, many schools track “demonstrated interest” and a campus visit confirms that you are a serious candidate, so be sure to check in at the Admissions Office.