As spring break arrives, many juniors will embark on college visits around the country. Overwhelmed by campuses, college visits may leave students feeling lost and small. Here are a few tips from seniors on how come out of these trips with a crystal clear picture.
- Sit in on a class
As well as looking into the department one is considering majoring in, it is great to sit in on an actual class. A visitor can see how many students there are, how they engage in the class, and even chat with a few students and/or the professor to ask any unanswered questions. Be sure to call in and schedule a classroom visit, because not all colleges permit walk ins. “Make sure you’re getting a tour of a department that you have an interest of possibly majoring in. This way, you can get to see a good reflection of where you may be in a few years. You can also get a keen look at the strongest aspect of the school that represents you best,” Konstantinos Papadopoulos ’11 said.
- Take careful notes
By comparing a lot of schools in a small period of time, you may begin to forget important things that you saw, or even felt while you were there. Recording strong notes in the moment is really important because the initial vibe of a school can tell a lot about your future there. “Bring a notebook and a camera to record the details that matter to you about each school, because eventually all of schools you see will begin to blur together; they all start to have the same characteristics to each other.” Jeremy Rubel ’11 said.
- Check out local food
Taste-testing the food will not only give you a taste of what the food will be like at that college, but you’ll be getting a taste of the student life by eating in the dining hall too. By doing this, you can sense a vibe from all the students. Whether it be happy or stressful, ask yourself, do I picture myself here? Visiting local restaurants and hangout spots is a great way to feel the environment as well. This way you can see what the nightlife may be like too. “Eat in the cafeteria, because food is always an integral part of your college experience. You have to know what the food will be like if you will be eating it for four years.” Jeremy Rubel ’11 said.
- Talk to students
Don’t forget to get a word in with some of the students. The campus tour guide is trained to persuade you to apply. If you speak to students on campus, you can get more realistic views of the schools. They are more likely to tell you what really happens at the school and behind the scenes. “It’s important to talk to a regular student and not just someone who’s paid to sell you the school. That way, you can actually get a feel for the school and an honest opinion.” Katie Cioe ’11 said.
- Just try to relax
The key is to stay calm and relaxed. If you don’t get into your number one school, it’s okay, because there are plenty of other options. There are approximately 4,168 schools in the United States; more than one is bound to be your fit. It all works out at the end of the day. “Have an open mind, you never want to limit yourself to just one college. There will always be more than one college for each person. If you don’t get into your dream school, don’t worry, it’s not the end of the world. Trust me, every little thing is gonna be alright,” Jake Krosse ‘11 said.
