Tips for Planning a College Visit
It’s fun to stop by a college campus and maybe even buy a college sweatshirt as part of your family vacation. And then, in the blink of an eye, your trip’s primary purpose it to visit said-university to see if it is a “fit.” Speaking from experience, these trips can be a whirlwind as you race from campus-to-campus and tour-to-tour. It’s only natural to try and fit in as much as you can within a limited time — and you should, following these five important college admissions tour tips.
FITZ BITS TIP: Park your car and walk around campus + most student centers are open to the public. It’s highly unlikely that you will get a feel for any campus by “driving by.”
Five Tips for Navigating College Tours
1) Schedule an official tour
Schedule your tours early because they do fill up. Try to use your high school vacation days because tours are primarily offered during the week. Be sure to read any directions in the confirmation email such as printing a parking pass or directions.
2) Additionally, sign up for specific college and major information sessions.
Plan ahead because these are often more limited days and times. These are great ways to learn about specific colleges and majors even if you don’t know your intended major.
It is surprising how different engineering and business programs can be approached across universities. Are they direct admit? How easy is it to change majors? Are there required internship or co-op programs?
3) Plan to arrive a little early.
Show up 15-30 minutes early to get from the parking lot to the admission information session. Be sure to still sign in, even if you are running late.
4) Do not visit more than two colleges in one day.
You’ll thank me later!
5) Write down or take a video of your impressions right away.
This will also help with any of those supplemental college essays!
Attend a game!
Study Abroad Tips
First, plan early because these programs fill up and you don’t want your student to be late to the game. Don’t get stuck with extra banking fees abroad: Study Abroad Banking Tips.
Work With Me...
SUMMARY: Marcy is the creator and editor of Fitz Travel Bits — a website blog dedicated to family adventure travel inspiration. Professionally, she is a consultant with College Bound Consulting where she is part of a dynamic team that advises and coaches high school students through the college admission process: balanced list, essay coaching, application strategy, timeline management, and more. We have an office in Hinsdale, IL and also consult with students across the country.
CONTACT: fitztravelbits@gmail.com or mfitzpatrick@collegeboundconsulting.com
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