• Campus Visits

    There is no substitute for seeing a college yourself!

    There are many ways to learn about a college, from online sites to brochures and college fairs. But there is no substitute for seeing the campus yourself. Check on college websites for Junior or Senior Visit Days and Open Houses. Individual visits can also be arranged. Make your reservations early. Large university open houses fill up quickly!

    Before you go:

    • Call the Admission Office in advance, tell them the date you’d like to visit, and let them know the time of day you expect to arrive. Many colleges also offer online campus registration for visiting days.
    •  Inquire about scheduling an interview, attending an information session, visiting classes, and talking with faculty. 
    •  If you want to stay overnight in a residence hall, ask if they can make arrangements. 
    • Research the college using its website. Write down anything that strikes you as "cool." You will not remember all of it later!
    • Make a list of questions that you want to be answered.

    Questions to Ask College Representatives


    Visiting college campuses is the best way to determine if a school is right for you. Below is a list of questions you should ask during a college visit.

    Admissions 

    • What are the application deadlines for admission?
    • What is the average high school GPA of a first-year student?
    • Is the ACT or SAT required?
    • Do you accept Advanced Placement courses (or IB credits)?
    • When must I choose a major?
    • Do you offer early decision or early admission?
    • What if I don’t meet the admissions requirements?
    • Will you accept transfer credits?

    Academics

    • How easy is it for first-year students to get classes?
    • What’s the largest class on campus? The smallest?
    • What are the most popular majors? Do you have those in which I am interested?
    • Do you have to declare a major when you apply?
    • What types of internships are available?
    • Are there study-abroad opportunities?
    • How do you assign faculty advisors to students, especially those who are undecided about their majors?
    • What is the student to faculty ratio?
    • What additional academic services are offered to students (tutoring, career counseling, study skills workshops)?

    Financial Aid & Scholarships 

    • When is the priority deadline for financial aid applications?
    • What kind of financial aid is available?
    • How many students received financial aid?
    • What types of scholarships are available?

    Campus Life 

    • What types of extracurricular activities are there on campus?
    • What athletic events are popular on campus?
    • Are there fraternities and sororities? How strong are they on campus?
    • Is there transportation on and off-campus? Is it easy to get to town and/or home?
    • What is the climate during the school year?
    • How are your town/gown (community and campus) relations?
    • What do students do in their free time?
    • Are students required to live on campus?
    • Is housing guaranteed? For how long?
    • How are roommates selected?
    • How does the meal plan work?