Preparing for college is one of those rite-of-passage experiences that many students go through when completing high school. It’s also stressful since there is so much to know and consider before picking the right school. Visiting college campuses is one way to make the choice easier.
If you have a school tour scheduled soon and don’t know what to expect, don’t worry! Here’s how to get the most out of your college campus visit.
Take a Tour
It might seem obvious, but taking a guided tour of a potential campus is essential if you want to learn as much about a school as possible. These tours will show you all the school has to offer, from dining halls to residential life. It’s also helpful to explore on your own so you can see some of the facilities not included in the tour. Be sure to check out places that are important to you, like the library and student center, too.
Audit a Class
Going to college influences your personal, social, and professional life. However, your education is the main thing that school will impact the most. This means you should get a good feel of the classes before you register. Most schools will allow potential students to audit lectures, which will help you get the most out of your college campus visit.
Keep Detailed Records
While some teens know exactly where they want to go and what they want to study, not everyone is as lucky. If you’re in this boat, you should visit as many schools as possible and keep detailed records of your experiences. This way, you can clearly weigh all of your options without worrying about memory overlap to make the most informed decision about your education.
Be a Student
There’s no better way to understand campus life than becoming a student for the day. Talk to people currently enrolled and get their opinions on the daily ins and outs of life at college. Some programs allow potential students to stay on campus for a night and attend campus activities, so take advantage of those opportunities if you can. You can also have a full student experience by choosing college spirit wear to immerse yourself in the campus culture.
When it comes to higher education, you need a combination of instinct and knowledge to make the right choice. Ultimately, your campus visits should help you pick correctly by identifying both red and green flags and showing you everything that a school has to offer.