Post date: Feb 5, 2017 9:47:15 PM
Around this time of year, I get a lot of requests for help planning college visits. It is a bit complicated, especially out here in the west, where we can't just pop in to twenty different schools in a few days. Our schools are far apart and we simply cannot get to them all in one spring road trip.
Therefore, I recommend targeting types of schools. Choose at least one from each category to get a variety of experiences. That way, you can use that example to help get an idea of what a similar school might be like. Once the student is accepted, go visit "for reals."
#1 Urban
Many students think that they want to go to a big city. They love the idea, but may not understand the reality (pros and cons) of attending an urban college. In the west, that means Seattle, Portland, or Salt Lake City. Let the student choose which city interests them the most and go from there.
If Seattle, visit the University of Washington. It will give them a great feel for large, urban, and residential. There is a lot to do and see on and around the campus and should easily intrigue or intimidate - depending on which reaction you get, stay with the bigger schools, or look smaller.
If Portland, go to Portland State. It is a large school, but most students commute to campus, rather than live on-site. Those who like it, feel that they are a part of the whole city, not just the college. Those who prefer the close-knit connection of a residential campus will definitely feel the difference.
If Salt Lake, it has to be University of Utah. This campus has residential living (Olympic athletes were housed there during the SLC games) and they have a newer Honors Dorm, but the majority of students commute to campus. Salt Lake is smaller than Seattle or Portland, but more urban than Boise, so not too difficult a jump for students looking to "go bigger."
Once you have made the city commitment, find a mix of schools to visit within a mutually acceptable radius. I recommend a smaller city, or sub-urban area where you can look at a medium-sized, and a smaller school - preferably at least one other public and one other private option.
#2 Small City/College Town
I categorize small cities as ones where there are several things to do besides going to the college, and "College Towns" as places where most activity centers around the school. It may not be exactly fair to lump them both together, but for length-sake, I am.
Washington - After UW, everything will seem small, so any of the other schools in the area will do. There are a few in Seattle, but I recommend driving to Tacoma and visiting either University of Puget Sound, or Pacific Lutheran. These are both small, private, liberal arts schools. The majority of students live on campus and parts of Tacoma are charming. UPS has a Greek system and PLU does not. If that is a factor, the choice is made.
Oregon - Portland is home to two charming private liberal arts colleges. Both Lewis and Clark and Reed are easily accessible from downtown but feel completely different from PSU. Visiting either will provide a great example of that style of school. Reed is decidedly more liberal and Lewis and Clark has a truly Pacific NW, woodsy vibe. Choose one, if you are short on time but it is not hard to do both.
Outside of Portland, if your student likes the big school feel, hit the road for Corvallis (Oregon State) or Eugene (University of Oregon) both are large schools but their campuses are more residential and much more rural than Portland. If they want to look smaller, Salem is closer and home to Willamette, a small, private liberal arts school.
Utah - SLC also hosts a very small private college, Westminster. It is easy to find while in the city, and will be a sharp contrast to the University of Utah.
About an hour north of Salt Lake, and through a canyon, you find Logan, home of Utah State University. It is a large school, but primarily residential and has a much "closer" feel than that of UU.
#3 Rural
I am lumping some small cities into the "rural" category simply because they are the largest populated area in their vicinity. It takes some driving to get there, and usually, the school is one of main reasons why people visit.
Washington - If your student is still thinking "big" head to Pullman and see Washington State. If they want to look at medium size, try Ellensburg (Central Washington) for a public option, and/or Walla Walla to see Whitman, a small, private liberal arts school.
Oregon - Southern Oregon University, in Ashland, is a medium-sized public school. It is very south and takes a while to reach, so plan on a long, but lovely drive.
Montana - Like Idaho, this state is all considered "rural" and the towns are very far apart. Visiting Montana is a commitment of its own, though Missoula is quite accessible from Northern Idaho/Eastern Washington.
Missoula is a charming small city and home to University of Montana. It is a medium-large school with several residences on campus. If your student likes outdoorsy activities, Montana is worth a look.
Helena has Carroll College, a small, private liberal arts school. Further east, Bozeman hosts Montana State University.
There are many more options in each of the states I discussed, and I am happy to recommend specific ones depending on a student's interests - that is what I do, after all. BUT if you are just getting started, and need to get a feel for what is out there. Choose a starting point. Select one or two from each category, and look around. Once you visit a few, you will get a feel for what each style of school has to offer. Your student will get to experience a manageable, memorable, variety of campuses and start to narrow their preferences.