College visits can be exhilarating and exhausting. Planning will help to reduce stress and increase enjoyment.
Before visiting, it may be worth previewing a college by watching a virtual tour. When deciding your itinerary, choose a balance of colleges that fit academically and socially. You can always visit more colleges after receiving acceptances.
The ideal time to visit campus is when college is in session. This gives you a chance to see the hustle and bustle of campus. When planning visits, make sure to sign up for an official walking tour and an admissions session. Allot at least three hours on campus.
When on the tours, parents should stay closer to the back of the pack and encourage their child to engage with the tour guide. This is an opportunity for you, the student, to ask questions such as: What is the best way to meet people? What kind of clubs are there? As an undergrad, will I have access to professors? The most frequently asked question is usually, “How is the food?”
If possible, schedule a meeting with a professor in the student’s department of interest. Are the facilities up to date? Are there research or internship opportunities for undergraduates?
After the tour, if you have time, go to the dining hall to taste the food and observe the atmosphere. Are kids sitting together or alone? If comfortable, talk to some of them. Ask why they chose this college. What do they like or not like? What is the campus like on the weekends? What is the surrounding area like?
One of the ways to add some fun to touring is by visiting the surrounding area. If you love ice cream, find a local store and indulge. Do this with each college visit and compare the ice cream. If ice cream isn’t your thing, maybe it’s an independent bookstore. Whatever it is, make sure your teen takes notes and pictures. This will help when trying to remember the atmosphere of the school.
Keeping an open mind during this process is important. Some colleges will likely resonate with you, but not your child. Help your child reflect on the visit by asking open-ended questions about what they saw, heard, and thought while on campus. Listen carefully to your child’s reactions before sharing your impressions.
Take notes, as your child may forget to write down information. Most importantly, enjoy this time with your teen before they head into the next chapter of their lives. Try to build some downtime and fun activities that have nothing to do with college and enjoy this exciting journey.
The “right college” is unique to every student’s needs, interests, aspirations, and personality, but Marie can help you find that perfect fit. Schedule a 20 minute discovery call with Marie today.
