Having provided you with guidance on Web resources, reading and studying college websites and evaluating student online reviews of colleges or universities, we are now going to turn to guidance on actually visiting a traditional college or university campus. Even if you plan on attending one of the top online universities such as the University of Phoenix Online, you will benefit from actually visiting their traditional campus or one of their traditional campuses.
Preparation Before Arriving On Campus
Usually the Admissions Department (or a department with a similar name) will be your main source of information. Study their emails and mailed hardcopy materials carefully. Note any questions you may have directly on the brochures or mailings; or respond directly by replying to emails. You will often be directed to the institution’s website, so be very familiar with that website, especially the pages dealing with your selected internal school or college and those dealing with extra curricular activities you may be participating in when you start attending. (See my article no. 03 on ” Reading and Studying College Websites.”)
Also, learn something about the community where the institution is located. You may want to visit the downtown area, investigate local recreational facilities (e.g. a YMCA), churches or other businesses or points of interest.
What To Expect
Usually, the Admissions Department hires and trains students to provide prospective students with a tour of the campus. The busiest time of the year is early to mid summer before the next academic school year begins. However, tours can be done at any time of year. To increase your chances of having a personal tour of the campus, just with you and your parents or other close relatives or friends, let the Admissions Department know you will be arriving early in the day on a weekday; then if your trip to the campus is during the fall, winter or spring, you will probably obtain a personal guided tour!
If the weather is nice, expect to be traveling in an electric golf cart, open SUV or even a convertible vehicle. For poor weather, you will be riding in a closed Admissions vehicle. They will make every attempt to accommodate you and your relatives or friends, especially if they or you need extra assistance walking around the campus.
Who to See Most Importantly
After you have seen the campus highlights and have a good overview of the size of the campus, including the location of your classes, dormitory (if living on campus), the library and the student union (This may go by a different name; but each college one place where students frequently meet and socialize, usually where their are restaurants or food vendors.), make special note of the location of your chosen internal school or college. Make plans to return there after the campus tour is complete.
Most importantly, talk to students and faculty members within that school or college. Tell them you are going to be, or are seriously considering, attending in the near future and would like to know what to expect. Also ask students how they like the school, their instructors and their classes. If you know you are going to be participating in specific activities or sports, ask if they also are involved with those.
Finally, leave a little time to talk with your accompanying parents, relative or friends to get their impressions of the institution; this should not be just casual conversation, but meaningful impressions of the campus, the facilities, the faculty and the students. By putting all of their thoughts together with your own, you will have taken many of the steps necessary to determine if this college or university really is the best school for you!
All comments and questions are welcome and encouraged. Thank you for reading!