You know that the college campus visit is important, but when is the best time to make that visit. The timing of your visit is important because it plays a big part in your experience. Below are 3 different options to help you determine the best time to plan your campus visit.
Summer or Spring Break
This is a popular time to plan a college visit. Both the student and parent are freed up during this time. Keep in mind that when visiting a campus in the summer, the feel of the campus will be quite different from what you will experience when school is actually in session.
During summer or spring break, there are considerably fewer students present on campus. Your opportunity to see what campus life is really like will be limited.
What you observe on campus in the summer is not going to be representative of what the campus is actually like from August – May. Also, keep in mind that when students are not present, the campus will be much quieter.
A summer or spring break visit means, your ability to get a feel for student life will have to come from school representatives and materials, rather than from observation.
Admitted Students Day
This is another popular time for campus visits. These visits take place only after you have been formally accepted into the college. This is a special day arranged for students who have received acceptance letters. To allow students and parents to get a better feel for the college, there are usually many activities that have been arranged specifically for this day.
Admitted students day is usually held on a weekend and the campus is specifically set up to host the prospective students and their families. The events scheduled on this day typically include campus information, a campus tour, a tour of the dorms and classrooms.
Generally, there are opportunities for questions and answers to the staff. You will also have some time to wander around the campus and eat in one of the dining halls.
However, as with visits in the summer, admitted students day does not give you a complete view of day to day campus life. Keep in mind that the campus will look very different on a regular day. Admitted student days are typically very crowded and packed with family members of the admitted students.
Something else to keep in mind, since this type of visit, usually occurs in April, after the student has actually been accepted to the college, it can be very hectic and stressful. You will not have a lot of time to process the information or obtain follow-up information as acceptance decisions must be made by May 1st.
Week Day Campus Tours
Most colleges conduct year-round campus tours with a student lead tour guide. This type of visit will require you to be absent from school. But, did you know that for most high schools, a college visit is considered an excused absence?
Touring the campus when school is in regular session will give you a good feel for what life will be like should you decided to attend that school.
When you go on a guided campus tour during the regular school day, you have the opportunity to visit all of the facilities on the campus. You will also have the opportunity to visit one of the residence halls and some of the classrooms.
The tours are typically given by students, so it’s a great chance to ask lots of questions from a current student. You sign up ahead of time for these tours and the number of attendees is limited.
The great thing is that this gives you a much greater opportunity to ask more detailed questions. Becuase there are fewer students you will also receive more detailed answers.
After your tour, take some time to just hang out in the common areas. This will give you a feel for what the students around campus are like. It’s fun to sit and really observe the students that are on campus.
This is your best opportunity to get an accurate feel for the campus and what life will look for you living there.
Now start planning your visit and go and make today your Favorite day!
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