Making the Most of Campus Visits
There are a few details that you will want to organize and be on top of before you begin scheduling campus visits. Firstly, there can be a bit of cost associated with this task, especially if you are interested in far-off studies. Many universities offer virtual tours and interviews for those who are abroad or just too distant to make the trip over. If you plan to visit a campus in another state, be sure that you have researched the most cost and time efficient methods of getting there and back. If you have chosen multiple out-of-state or distant colleges, by sure that you schedule your visits with plenty of time in between, or along a road trip route so that you can hit multiple schools in one shot.
Before you head out for your personal tours and informational visits, you will want to narrow down your feasible options. It is suggested that you have at least two “safety schools” in mind, and these will be those colleges or universities where you are sure to be accepted and that offer the majors that interest you the most. Your “dream” choices would be the next three to four schools on your list, and you should learn as much as you can about them before you visit. Acceptance to these schools tends to be more difficult, but this should hinder your enthusiasm.
Next, create a filing system, one that works for you, that organizes each school and the communications that happen between all parties. For each school, write a list of the questions, concerns, scholarship queries, grant information, and anything else that you want to know. If you are prepared with a key list for each visit, you will appear polished, mature, and ready for the learning ahead. You should have at least five folders set up when you are done, each containing all the information that you have compiled between the visiting process and the arrival of the decision letter.
Have a pad of paper at the ready when you present yourself at each campus, as well as copies of your transcripts, test scores, resume, and all other pertinent information. Have a little check list ready of the points that you want to make when questions arise, because even the best of us sometimes draw a blank when put on the spot. Be sure to collect as much information through pamphlets, newsletters, handbooks, and application resources as the school has to offer, and write down the answers to all of the questions that you ask the admissions representative.
From here, the application process will begin, usually from home, and you will be asked to submit a truthful and personal essay, or even a portfolio depending on your desired courses. This first campus visit will be the ideal time to ask about scholarships, both private and federal, as well as private loan terms and all other financial aid concerns. Make the most of this first meeting, as it may be the only one you get.
