The Top 9 Tips to Make the Most of Your College Visits

The Top 10 Tips to Make the Most of Your College Visits

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Do your homework. - Do research before you visit. With limited time and resources, it’s important to investigate prior to arriving on campus. Every college has a website and while not a substitute for a campus visit, it’s a good starting point for information.

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How To Prepare For College Visits - Planning a road trip to visit several colleges in one trip may be an efficient way for students to get a feel for each school they’re interested in.

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Start early. - We began making college visits with my daughter in the fall of her junior year. In hindsight, I wish we had started sooner. Between our work schedules and her commitments (academics, sports, activities), we couldn’t visit all of the colleges on her list.

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Go beyond the tour. - The tour and information session provides a good overview of the college. But, to really get a feel for a school, you need to take the time to explore the campus. Allow at least half a day per college.

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Ask questions. - Make a list of questions before you leave on your trip. In fact, Kelly Queijo, founder of SmartCollegeVisit.com, suggests asking the same questions on every tour.

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Take notes. - Especially when you are visiting multiple schools in a few days, the tours can blend into one another. Find a way so that your teenager can document her thoughts in real time

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Go to class. - My daughter sat in on classes at several schools and found it very helpful. It gave her a chance to observe the professors and see how the students interacted with the faculty.

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Schedule an interview. - These days, many colleges do not require prospective students to have an interview, but that doesn’t mean your teenager shouldn’t sign up for one when offered. An impressive interview can work in your teenager’s favor.

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Look beyond academics. - Skim through the bulletin boards in the student center and other buildings. These indicate what kind of clubs, speakers and events are happening on campus and whether there are activities that appeal to your student.

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