College is a major investment of your time and money, so you want a school that's the right fit. By talking to the right people, asking the right questions, and experiencing a school's unique atmosphere, you can learn more in a one-day visit than you could in months of studying a college's promotional materials, website, DVDs, and review ratings.
Arrange your visit in advance. Contact the admissions office about tours and information sessions for prospective students. Try to visit during a regular school day so you can observe the normal campus bustle. Make appointments to see an admissions officer, a financial aid administrator, and a professor in your likely major. Interested in specific extracurricular activities? Ask if you can meet with an involved student, adviser, or coach. Be realistic about scheduling your time so you can see and do everything you want. If the visit requires an overnight stay, ask if you can spend the night in a dorm.
Do your homework. Get ready for your visit by checking out the school's website, course catalogs, and any materials that they have sent. As you research each school, write down questions you want to ask. Become familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of each college as they pertain to your preferences.
Evaluate each campus you visit. Be open to what each school has to offer. During a visit, it's easy to be dazzled by stately architecture, an enthusiastic tour leader, and the sheer energy of most campuses. What matters is whether this college is right for you, your education goals, and your family's budget. Can you envision yourself spending several years there? Bring a notebook to record your impressions and questions, a camera, and a map of each campus as well as the surrounding area. Here are a few things to consider doing or asking during a campus visit.
- Take a guided tour of the campus (dorms, academic facilities, student centers, athletic and fitness centers, and library).
- Eat where the students eat.
- Speak to an admissions officer and a financial aid administrator.
- Observe a class in session, and speak to a professor in your probable major.
- Interview students to learn what they like and dislike about the school.
- Ask about the best places to study on campus.
- Is there a student writing center or tutor program?
- Ask about on-campus and local weekend activities.
- What are the cultural resources on and off campus?
- What medical facilities are available and are they open 24/7?
- Ask about the campus security situation and campus crime statistics.
- Read the school newspapers, student publications, bulletin boards, and online forums.
- At some time during your visit, just wander the campus and people watch.
One critical question to ask yourself on a college visit is "Can I afford this school?" In many cases, the answer is Yes, with student loans from Nellie Mae.
High school students and parents can read Nellie Mae's Steps to Success: A Comprehensive Guide to Preparing and Paying for College (PDF, 1.19MB). This popular brochure features an overview of the financial aid process, with helpful resources such as an award letter comparison worksheet and a glossary of financial aid terms.