How important are college visits.

intparent
Mon, 04 Aug 2014 01:58:35 +0000

The problem with waiting to visit until you are accepted is that the time period can be really short. Not so much with rolling admission college, but those that send acceptances in late March want an answer by May 1. People are busy (parents working, students in school, spring EC activities going on) in April. Plus, buying plane tickets on short notice can be very expensive. We see a lot of students jettison schools that might be a great fit for them in April because they haven’t visited and can’t arrange it in that short timeframe. It isn’t a “waste of money” to see colleges before you apply – every campus has a different vibe. It is especially valuable to go when classes are in session and sit in on a class, eat in the cafeteria, etc. However, some students simply can’t afford to do it. Colleges do understand that.

If you can’t visit, check to see if showing interest is important in admissions. Google “<college name=”"> Common Data Set". There is a table in this document that shows how important student interest is in admissions. If it is important, then here are a few things to do: sign of for emails on the admissions website, watch for any admissions presentations in your area and attend, stop by the booth at a college fair – sign in and chat with the rep, sign up for a Skype interview if they offer them). Visiting is included in the ways colleges that care track interest (so be sure you sign in at admissions if you do visit).</college>

Also, I would estimate that over 90% of students have parents along on visits. The one exception is accepted student visits after you get in (usually held in April). Students usually stay overnight, and parents don’t do that part. Usually there is some programming during the day for parents at accepted student days. Some parents come to accepted student days, some don’t. One of my kids was very independent and went on her own. The other was less confident about flying and transportation, so I went with her.

Also, research the college as thoroughly as possible. Some things to do:


Start with the college website, and check out student life, academics, etc. Look at the course offerings, number of majors, professor bios, etc. in the areas you want to study, study abroad options, and career office website. Take the virtual tour if one is offered. Look at the campus map and see if it shows pictures when you click on buildings.
Read other sources about the college to try to get beyond the marketing message. Fiske Guide to Colleges, as many back posts as you can stand to read on the forums here on CC, and C-o-l-l-e-g-e P-r-o-w-l-e-r are good courses to get a feeling for the campus.
If the college newspaper is online, it is a great way to see what issues are hot on campus (a great way to find out the dirty laundry of a college, too!).
Run the net price calculator on the college financial aid page (do this really early, no point in spending a lot of research time on schools you can’t afford).