Well, you’re about to go on winter break. This is the time of year when you’re either sleeping fourteen hours a day, waxing your skis so you can get to work (don’t even rub it in our faces, Florida people), or planning for college.
One other thing you should add to your list, if it isn’t already there: college visits. But when, and how? Read on.
Should I visit before or after I’m accepted?
You might’ve already visited a few colleges over the summer. Plenty of people visit before they’re accepted. This can be a great option if you have more time over the summer or fall breaks. Some people visit early because they already have a trip planned to a college town, and it’s easy to add a college visit to their trip. Some people visit to see a sibling or friend.
But if you’re not sure if you’ll get into a school or what kind of financial aid you’ll receive, waiting to visit can save you money and keep you from getting your heart set on a school that may or may not be an option. Some schools have events specifically for admitted students, and going to one of those events could help you make a final decision on where to attend.
Basically, do whatever works best for you and your family.
Does it matter whether I attend a big event or a daily tour?
Many colleges offer large event days, sometimes tailored for certain majors and sometimes meant for any interested student. The main benefit of these events is the in-depth look at the university. You may hear from professors or current students, attend a majors fair, sit in on a class, tour campus and eat in the dining halls.
A daily visit is less intensive and is designed to give you a good, efficient overview of the university. Daily visits typically include an admission presentation and student-led campus tour.
You can also make a stealth visit. This is when you just show up at a public campus like a ninja and show yourself around. The downside to this, other than the possibility of raising eyebrows if you’re a stranger on a small campus, is that you miss out on the details and insight shared during a planned visit. A registered visit will also show the college that you’re interested, which some colleges take into account when making admission decisions.
An in-person visit is ideal to get the vibe of the place, but if money or time is an issue, check online for virtual tours (here’s ours), which have both visual and audio components to give you a better idea of what campus is like.
Finally, some high schools take field trips to different universities. Even if you don’t know if you’re interested in a certain school, consider going to get a broader idea of what kind of colleges are available.
So grab a book or show for the road (The Hate U Give? Turtles All The Way Down? The Great American Baking Show? The Walking Dead?). And get out there.
Happy travels!
