Seven steps to a great campus visit

A campus visit is an important part of finding the college or university that’s best for you. Admissions counselors are happy to arrange such visits and urge potential transfer students to visit the campus.

Here are some suggestions for making your campus visit as productive as possible.

1. Do some soul searching.

What is it you really want out of college anyway? What’s important to you?  Is it critical that you make the golf team or is it more import-ant to be able to do original research in physics? Do you want to transfer to a college or university which provides opportunities for great spiritual growth? Do you want to be able to go home every weekend or is this a good time to broaden horizons and get out on your own more?

There are many other questions to consider, but the point is this: You can’t find what you’re looking for until you KNOW what you’re looking for. Put your primary goals in a list, with the most important items first.

2. Make an appointment.

Don’t just show up at a four-year college or university expecting someone to automatically assist you. Call the admissions office at least two weeks in advance and make an appointment. Using your priorities list, indicate what you’d like to see and do (talk to the golf coach, visit the physics lab, etc.).

It may not be possible to see and do all the things you’d like – but it’ll be a lot more likely if the admissions counselors at the school you’re visiting KNOW IN ADVANCE what your interests are.

Also, ask them for suggestions on things to see and do. After all, they know more about their college or university than most anyone else.

3. Talk to people.

A guided tour is certainly helpful, but visiting one-on-one is even more helpful. And talk to the right people about the right things. If you want to know about the biology curriculum, visit with a faculty member in the biology department. If you have financial aid questions, don’t expect the biology professor to know the answers. If you want to know about social life on campus, visit with students.

4. Get involved.

If time permits, take in a ball game. Or attend a class or two. Or go to a student social event or activity. Perhaps spend a night in the dorm and/or eat in the cafeteria. In short, put yourself in the place of a current student a bit. You’ll get a better “feel” for a college or university in this way.

5. Handle the technical stuff.

If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to get going on matters such as financial aid packages, credit transfer, perhaps even a tentative class schedule.

If you haven’t sent transcripts already, you may want to bring them with you (check with the admissions people when you set up an appointment).

And don’t forget, the very best time to begin working on financial aid matters was yesterday; the second best time is NOW.

6. Check the living conditions.

If you’ll be living in a dorm, at least visit a dorm and, better yet, spend the night. Eat a meal or two in the cafeteria.

If you’re considering living off-campus, get some idea of what your rent dollar will buy. What’s available in your price range? Check the newspaper, or with a rental agency or real estate office. Another option is to visit with current students who are living in housing off campus.

Check on transportation, especially if you’ll be living off campus. Is there a bus system?  If you plan to have a car, is there parking? What costs are associated with a car on campus?

7. Take notes ... maybe some photos

You may want to write some observations  during your visit. With today’s digital cameras, you might also want to take some photos. Transfer them to a computer when you return so they can serve as a reminder.

You also will find it helpful to think a bit about your visit and write down some general impressions right after it’s over. What was the best part of your visit? Were there any issues or problem areas? Overall, how do you feel about this particular place?

            Campus visits are important and with a little extra effort you can have a very informative and helpful one. Best wishes on finding the transfer school that’s just right for you!

With a little planning in advance, a visit to a four-year college or university campus can be very informative … and even fun!

TRANSFER TIMES . . . helping students transfer from a community college to a four-year school