The Visit

Normally, candidates visit colleges after the junior year in high school.  Should you visit during the summer or the fall?  Both occasions have their advantages.  A summer visit allows you a more leisurely time at the college.  Frequently it can be blended with family vacation plans, and parents can come along. (Avoid the "drop-in" syndrome -- make an appointment).  A fall visit, on the other hand, offers an opportunity to discover what student life is really like.  Often colleges will make arrangements for candidates to spend the night in a college dormitory.  You can attend classes and athletic events too.  However, you will probably have to take time from your high school studies in order to obtain a fall interview.

 Most admissions personnel recommend that you call the admissions office, rather than write.  If you discover that the time you want for your visit is booked, you will be able to negotiate another time on the phone much more easily than in an exchange of letters.  Many colleges now offer on-line visit registration.  Check under the "perspective student" heading on the college website.

 Allow enough travel time so that you can arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled visit.  This allows you to collect your thoughts and unwind a bit beforehand.  Too many visits begin on a strained note because the candidate arrives late and had to make awkward apologies.

 There is no need to dress for the prom when going on a college visit.  In general, all agree that the way to dress for the college visit is "neatly".  Khakis over jeans, but you can leave the tie at home.

 If you have an unique talent, you will want to meet with the person on the college campus who oversees the area of your interest.  Most often this person is a coach or professor.  When arranging for your visit, ask to meet this person also.

 Stay for lunch.  Ask to eat with current students from your intended major, sports team interest, or high school.  They can give many insights to the campus.

 Make sure you have questions for the college.  Show an interest, don't let Mom and Dad do all the talking.  One question to always ask is if the school gives application fee waivers to those who visited.  It could save you $25!