College 2008, the Movie — Was your college visit really like this?
College Campus Visit Tips
When many of today’s high school students think of a college campus visit, what usually comes to mind are thoughts of scenes from many of the today’s movies about college visits; a great example is the scenes from College 2008 in the YouTube video clip above this blog post. The truth of the matter is that your college campus visit will not look anything like what’s depicted on TV.
In fact most college campus visits can be quite intimidating to the average high school junior or senior. Often, neither they nor their parent knows what to expect and no two college visits will be the same.
So how does today’s high school junior or senior make the most out of their college campus visit? Here are a few simple tips to help you make the most of your college visits:
1. Don’t Go Alone
While many of the recent movies show groups of high school seniors piling into a car and rolling off to wreak havoc on college campuses, I do not recommend that you attempt to do the same. Bring a Parent or guardian along. Let’s face it adults are adults because they have been around and have seen some things that the average high school student has not. They just might be able to get a few more questions answered than you might.
2. Ask Lots of Questions
Make a list of questions before you go on any college campus visits. You can use this list to ask any of the college tour guides questions about the college and college life. PrepScholar.com has published a list of questions you or your parents should ask during college visits. You can use the list as a starting point.
Remember when it comes to your college future, no questions is a dumb question; don’t be afraid to ask it. The good thing is your list can be used for all visits. Continue to refine or improve your list as new questions come to mind.
3. Take Time to Look Around the College Campus
Walk around the college campus with and without your parents. While it is okay to be given a tour by the tour guide, you can walk around on your. Ask random students about the school; just let them know you are thinking about attending college there, as your reason for asking the question(s).
In most cases you will find that they will be more than willing to answer your questions. This is actually a great way to really get the true “low-down” on the college, because students will always speak their mind. Also visit the areas (neighborhoods) around the college especially if the school is in an urban setting.
4. Stay Overnight
The best way to get a true idea of what college and college life is like, is to actually spend time on a college campus. If possible stay overnight in the dorm. Try to stay at least one night. Many colleges will allow it and will not charge you or only charge a small fee.
One of my neighbors and his daughter were able to stay the weekend during a college campus visit for only $40. Staying the night in the dorm, especially with a current student will go a long way in giving you a realistic view of what life at college (and living with a roommate) will be like.
5. Get Lots of Info
This is probably one of the few times when information over-load isn’t a bad thing. You should try to get as much information as possible. If you are able to accomplish the 4 things above, then you should have more than enough information to make an informed decision. Ask questions, collect pamphlets, booklets and anything that might help. You can throw it out later if it is not needed.
If you can think of anything I have missed, please feel free to leave a comment.
BTW — Good Luck on Your College Campus Visits!
About the Author
Johnny Rogers is the creator of CollegeTidbits.com – The Online College Planning Guide. If you found this article useful, please consider Liking My Facebook Fan Page or Following College Tidbits on Twitter.
You Might Also Like:
Dos And Don’ts for College Visits
Preparing For The College Tour: Making The College Maze Work For You
5 Mistakes People Make When Going On College Tours
Choosing a College that’s Right for You
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Great advice, Johnny. Campus visits are one of the most important aspects of selecting the college that fits the student best.
Of course, most college visits are nothing like the movie…not even close. But they can still be entertaining, fun, and productive.
Mark
http://greatcollegeadvice.com
Thanks for the reply. So much of what happens to prospective college students (and they should all be) will not happen until either they or the parents take the first steps. In many cases students or parents are not even aware that affordable help exists. I think that over the years, the Internet has helped to provide awareness.
Regards,
Johnny
http://www.collegetidbits.com