A visit to your future college campus is probably the most fun part of the college application process. It’s your biggest chance of finding out whether your targeted college is capable of shaping up the future you have pictured for yourself. So, selecting a bunch of colleges and visiting their campuses can widen your options and help you make the right decision.
Preparing for a College Campus Visit
One thing you can do to prepare for a college visit is to explore the college's website, which can help you prepare questions that you can ask the college staff and students. Find out where the college is located, get a map of the school and look for the contact number of the admission office.
Once you have scheduled your time of visit, make sure you get there on time, prepared with a notebook where you can jot down your thoughts about the college. It's best to bring along a parent or another trusted adult who can help you raise questions to make your visit a more informative one.
Seek Information about Financial Aid
College education is costly and stakes are high that you will finish your graduation with a huge student loan debt. So, it will take a lot of pressure off your shoulder if you can end up securing a financial aid for your college education. Talk to the faculty and admission staff and find out information about admission policies and financial aid.
Many schools and organizations are there that offer scholarships and annual grants exclusively to African-American students pursuing college education. Check if you are eligible for any such scholarships or grants before selecting a college.
Talk to College Students
The tour guides will present their schools in a positive light. They will overstate, exaggerate, and say that their school is the best. It’s their job after all! So, talk to current students and ask them what the best and worst things about their college are and why they decided to attend this college. You can also ask if you have any specific question in mind. The answers of these questions will make it easier for you to make an informed decision.
Talk with Staff and Faculty
Talking with staff and faculty will help you learn a lot about the school and the department and subjects you are interested in.
Stop by the admissions office and share your honest feelings about the school with them. They can direct you to the place or persons that can provide the best answers of your inquiries. Don’t forget sending them a thank-you email for their guidance and support. Some schools offer interview with an admissions rep during your visit to the college campus. Take full advantage if this opportunity is available.
Plus, if possible, talk to a professor in your possible major. You will normally find them amicable, cooperative, and happy to answer questions.
How to Make the Most of Your Campus Visit
Many students do the mistake of taking the college campus visit as a fun trip. As a result, they make rash decisions when it comes to the final selection and eventually end up unhappy with their school. To avoid seeing yourself in those miserable shoes, you have to take care of a few other things too.
Make the college trip during school days so that you can get a feel of the campus life. If possible, sit in on one or two classes in those subjects that you hope to major in. Love sports? Talk to the college coach and find out what type of sports is endorsed by the college authority.
Don’t forget exploring the college facilities. Visit the cafeteria and other arrangements to eat and lunch, check the library, and find out how updated and furnished the theater and gym are. Ask the admission officer if you can spend a night in a dorm or take a tour inside it. Exploring these spots and aspects will help you get a feel about the character of the college.
Visit to a college campus can be fun and exciting. Take preparation for the campus visit and try to get as much information as possible. Make sure to choose a college that you will be comfortable spending the next four years of your college life.
