Undoubtedly, at some point in your high school career, usually around junior year, you will begin to get postcards, letters, packets or emails from colleges. Each school is different, but three words are usually the same, no matter the institute: “come visit us!”
College visits can be very helpful in determining the best school for you. Most of the time online reviews, virtual tours, and other resources are just not enough. The only way to really get a feel for what the campus is like, and how you would fit into the environment, is to explore the school.
However, a lot of high schoolers, even the ones who go to such events, fail to take advantage of the opportunity they’ve been given. Simply walking around a campus will not give you the full experience. Instead, there are things you should do in order to utilize college visits to the best of your ability.
• If there is a way for you to eat at the dining hall you should jump at the chance. It will give you time to socialize and allow you to personally rate the food.
• Try to find professors to talk to by stopping in during office hours, especially if you’re sure of what major you want to pursue.
• It will be beneficial to send a thank you note. Every college has a ton of applicants and this will help set you apart.
• Also, don’t forget to talk to students on campus. The more people you meet, the better.
Some Suggestions
According to The New York Times, there are many strategies that can help you make the most of your trip: • Ask a lot of questions—the more insightful the better!• Try to find professors to talk to by stopping in during office hours, especially if you’re sure of what major you want to pursue.
• Also, don’t forget to talk to students on campus. The more people you meet, the better.
