 |
Are
you among the thousands of students this spring who will visit
colleges that you’re considering? Visiting a completely new setting
with the idea of living there for four years is a daunting
responsibility. Chances are you, like many of your fellow students,
have never been as completely on your own as you will be the fall
after your high school graduation. A visit to the school itself is a
helpful way to find out if it will satisfy your personal
needs. |
How to get
started
The best time to visit a
prospective college or university is during a middle-of-the-term week, so
you can observe typical day-to-day campus life. Figure out when you and
your parents can get away from school and work, then email, write, or call
the school and make appointments with a financial aid counselor and the
admissions office. And don’t forget your own special interests–you may
want to visit when you can watch the spring theatre production rehearsal,
or a lacrosse team practice. Don’t plan to visit during homecoming week or during exams (many students and
staff will be too busy to spend time with you); or during Thanksgiving,
Christmas, winter or spring break when the people you want to visit with
are probably unavailable.
Atmosphere and
aura
During every visit, keep in mind the
important question: "Could I be comfortable here?" As intimidating as it
may sound, walk up to a few students and ask if and why they like it
there. Grab a meal in a dining hall or student cafeteria and check out the
surroundings while you’re checking out the food. Are people friendly? How
diverse (age, gender, ethnic background, race) is the student body? Do
students and staff seem comfortable with each other?
You’ll have ample opportunity to check out bulletin boards–see if notices
concerning club meetings, fraternity and sorority news, athletic events,
political issues, and opportunities for fun and entertainment reflect a
mix that appeals to you. Pick up a college paper–it offers a quick glimpse
of topics of interest on the campus.
Living
there
You’ll want to be sure to visit a
dormitory or other student housing. An official campus tour will probably
include a dorm room; ask for (or arrange for yourself) a visit to the
specific housing that fits your budget–perhaps a cooperative residence
(where you pitch in housework in lieu of some cost), for example, or one
of the smaller or older dormitories.
It will be important
to make the most of the little spare time you’ll have (after attending
class, studying, working, practicing, and sleeping). What do you like to
do to relax or have fun–bowl? Work out? Read? LAN party? See if the
campus’ facilities will help. Is the fitness center open late? Can you
find your favorite book in the library?
|
From those
who have been there:
- Make appointments. Schedule
your campus tour, meetings, interviews, and dormitory overnighters
ahead of time so you’re not shut out after traveling all that
way.
- Obtain a map of the school
(often available on their web site) to determine where you can
park for your visit, and routes to buildings and
facilities.
- Then put your map in your
pocket and wander around campus . (Do this by yourself if you
can–maybe while the folks are talking with the financial aid
officer.) This is a great time to pretend you belong here, and
approach students and staff with your questions.
- Start planning early–you’ll
have to coordinate campus appointments with your preferred days to
visit the school, your parents’ schedule, and your own current
commitments.
- Take a camera and a journal.
Keep your notes and photos for each school together with their
brochures and correspondence. Tree-lined walkways and red brick
administration buildings tend to get mixed up after two or three
visits; it will help to have a separate folder for each
prospective school.
|
|
Go to these
topics in Internet CIS: Nebraska School or U.S. Colleges and Universities for background information and help
arranging a visit and appointments:
- School Name and Address
- General Information
(especially the "School Visits" subtopic)
- Cost and Financial Aid
- Admission Requirements
- Housing Information
. . . and don’t forget you can
compare two or three schools’ information side-by-side in
CIS. | |
Remember you don’t have to feel
at home while away at school. Going home for breaks and vacations will be
a treat that no dining hall or dormitory can replace. But since you will
spend some very important years away at school, you should feel
comfortable. Your campus visit will help you decide if the school is right
for you.
Evaluate Web Sites: Promote the
Best, Discard the Rest
Finding Financial Aid
|
