How to Make the Most of Your College Visits
The summer is one of the most popular times for high school students to look at colleges. I remember when I was on the college tour circuit a few years ago, going on week-long trips to see 9 different schools. It can be difficult to see so many schools in such a short period of time and truly form an opinion on each school. So here are a few tips I have to get the most out of each college visit.
- Bring a notebook with you. When you get back in the car after each school, it’s a good idea to take a few notes on your opinions of the school, while it’s still fresh in your memory. That way, in a few months, you can look back at all these notes and see what you thought about each school.
- Ask about housing. A lot of schools will have a model dorm room set up to give an example of how a freshman would live, but that doesn’t mean that all students live in rooms like that. Housing is often quite varied based on your class year or even what area of campus you live on, so ask about all the housing options.
- Observe the students on campus. This might be harder to do in the summer, but try to get a feel for the student atmosphere on campus. Do the students seem happy and engaging? Or do they all look like they haven’t left the library for two weeks?
- Picture yourself at the school. Could you see yourself going to the school for the next four years? Do you think you’d be happy there? Keep in mind that you’re not going to college right at the moment, but want a place where you’ll still be happy in four years.
- Think about what feels right for you. You’re going to hear a lot of opinions and suggestions from your parents, friends, teachers, guidance counselors, etc. but ultimately, where you go to college should be your decision. It’s your education and you need to try and find the place where you will be most happy, have the best experience, and learn the most.
Jeff Wong ‘08
Senior Interviewer
And don’t forget to do your research. Before your arrive, make sure that you have checked out the school’s website (you can view ours here) and any print materials that you may have already recieved. This will help you know what to look for and what to ask when you visit campus.
Justin Holzwarth ‘08
Senior Interviewer
Comment by Justin H. — July 10, 2007 @ 10:15 am
I just want to repeat how important it is to take a couple notes after you visit a school, especially if you are on a whirlwind college trip and visiting 20 schools in a week. I guarantee you, they will all start to blend together and in a couple months you won’t remember which school is which. I’d suggest writing down your favorite and least favorite parts of the visit. That way, when you are deciding where to apply (or even where to accept) you will have a clearer memory of the school.
Comment by Hannah — July 10, 2007 @ 10:20 am
Hello!
I was wondering about the nature of Wesleyan’s relationship with the greater community, and the extent to which Wesleyan students have the opportunity to use their knoweledge and attributes for socially constructive purposes. In other words, how much of a role does the application of education play in the life of a Wesleyan student?
Thanks for your time!
Comment by Colleen — August 4, 2007 @ 2:25 pm
1. What is your favorite Wesleyan memory?
2. What is a quirky thing about Wesleyan first-year students should know about?
Comment by Hannah — November 16, 2009 @ 7:24 pm