College Visits
Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH)
Start Planning Early
As students get closer to the final year of high school, their schedules are filled trying to balance school and a social life – all while exploring potential college campuses. To ease the stress, students and families may want to make visits sooner, ideally before senior year. The College Board recommends spring of junior year as a good time to visit campuses. College visits are a good use of downtime over spring break. Late summer and early fall before senior year are also convenient times, the College Board website notes, adding that classes may already be in session, allowing prospective students a glimpse of campus life.
How to Schedule a Campus Visit
Scheduling a campus visit at most universities is quite easy! Go to the university website and find the visit webpage. Then, select your preferred date and time and enter details about the student and additional visitors. Consider any special things you would like to see or do while visiting (speaking with a professor in your field, touring a residence hall, etc.) and make those requests.
Fly-in Programs
College fly-in programs are highly competitive college visitation programs for underrepresented students. Institutions fly students in to stay at their campuses for two or three days, allowing students—who might not otherwise get a chance to visit—to get a feel for the college and campus.
Looking to participate in a Fly-In Program? Here are a few lists:
What to ask your tour guide
You've scheduled your college visit, made the trip to campus but how do you get the most out of your trip? It's important to ask questions that are important to you and that gather details that will be helpful in making your college decision. Here are some examples:
What is your favorite activity or tradition on campus? What do you do on the weekends for fun?
What percentage of freshman return for their sophomore year?
What is the hardest class you've had to take? What helped you get through it?
How big are the classes? And are they taught by professors? Or will I have a teaching assistants or graduate students?
Do classes fill up quickly and will I have a difficult time getting into the course I need? How much should I save for textbooks?
How accessible are the professors and advisors? If I email them, how quickly do they respond?
What kinds of internship opportunities do you have? Are there a lot of jobs on campus to earn money?
Do you like the food on campus? Where are the best places to go eat off campus?
Will I need a car to get around or are things within walking distance?
Why did you come here? What advice would you give me for my first year?
Things to consider While visiting
Can you picture yourself fitting in with the students?
Would you be happy to spend the next four years on this campus?
Would you be comfortable living in the residence halls or commuting from your home?
Was the college staff friendly and helpful?
Did you like the size and layout of the campus?
Did the campus feel safe?
Were the classrooms, lecture halls, and other facilities comfortable?
Are you happy with the cultural diversity of the school?
Does the school provide enough opportunities for volunteering or service learning?
Is the school a good match for your beliefs and values?
Are you happy with the extracurricular activities offered?
Does the school offer the courses and majors that interest you?
Are you happy with the class sizes and faculty to student ratio?
Do you believe there's enough of a support system in place to help you succeed in your studies?
Do you feel confident that you'll be able to find a job after you graduate from this institution?
Do you believe that attending this school will be a good investment in your future?
Are you comfortable with the availability of scholarships and financial aid?
Are you happy with the distance this campus is from your home?
Is there enough to do in the area so that you won't feel bored?
Will it be easy for friends and family to visit me?
Denison University (Granville, OH)
upcoming colleges visiting Cristo Rey
Register for these visits on Naviance!
Explore Virtual Options
Some colleges may be too far from home for students to make an initial visit. Online tools allow prospective students to take virtual tours from the comfort of their couches. Students can take self-guided virtual tours or sign up for more interactive options such as "Tours From Your Sofa," an offering from Hamilton College in New York. Alexa M. Ray, assistant dean of admission at Hamilton, describes this option as "essentially a virtual tour, using selfie sticks and iPhones" that is led by current students. The personalized tour leads prospective students across the Hamilton campus and through classrooms and other facilities with a guide to answer questions along the way.
Hamilton College (Clinton, NY)