No publication, no matter how thorough, can give you a
complete picture of a college or university. A campus
visit is the best way to see for yourself what a college
is like.
Advance planning with the college's admission office
is important to help you make the most of your visit.
Most colleges encourage campus visits, and many have
special brochures and pages on their Web sites to help
you plan one.
When you've decided to visit a campus, contact the
admission office. Tell them the date you'd like to
come and the approximate time you expect to arrive.
If you want to stay overnight in a residence hall,
ask if they can make arrangements. They might also
be able to plan for you to talk with someone in one
of your interest areas, such as a professor, coach
or director of a musical group.
Sometimes the college admission office has an electronic signup form online. It will be easily accessible and found under the college visits section of their admission web pages.
During your visit, try to meet with someone from the
admission office or attend an information session.
Take a tour of the campus, talk to students, have
a meal in the dining hall (many colleges will treat
you), and pick up copies of the student newspaper
and alumni magazine. Some colleges also can arrange
for you to sit in on a class.
People's views about a college or university can vary
widely, so try to talk to as many people as possible.
Whether your visit lasts an hour or a day, you should
get all your questions answered.
(Adapted from The Associated Colleges of the Midwest
Pre-College Planner, www.acm.edu)