Expert Tips for Campus Visits
“Life is my college. May I graduate well and earn some honors.”
Mural on building at CU-Denver
If you follow me on LinkedIn, you already know that I’ve been busy visiting and touring schools. One of the benefits of living in a major metro area is the sheer number of schools to learn about. In my first two weeks I visited six different schools, including:
Now that I’m working for the Anschutz Medical Campus, I guess you could say the count is actually seven schools.
Fall is often the start of the college admission cycle for rising high school juniors. This is because junior year is often when things start coming together - standardized testing, career considerations, post-high school discussions, and ultimately college visits. Schools have gotten much more savvy with creating and offering virtual campus visits. Understandably, traveling around the region, or even the country, can be expensive and isn’t in the budget for some students and families.
Virtual campus tours are a great place to start. There are a couple of of ways to do this. First, simply search for the name of the school you are interested in followed by “virtual campus tour.” So if you are interested in State U simply search for “State U virtual campus tour”. Another option is to look at campus visit websites such as CampusTours..
Visiting schools in-person can be a great way to get a sense of the campus community, academics, and student support services. If you find yourself having the opportunity and privilege to visit schools, how can you make the most of the experience and really learn everything possible about the school?
Campus Visit Tips
Arrive early and talk to the admission staff
Most campus tours are going to start with a presentation led by an admission professional. The presentation is a way for the admission team to provide high level information and obviously get you excited about the school. Do everything you can to arrive early and try to meet the admission counselor who serves your area. Get their name and business card and keep it in your college file so you can refer to it in the future.
Understand the messaging
Who creates the messaging when you are on a campus visit? Often there is input from large college consultants. They work with the school to create “Wow!” moments while you are on campus. Schools understand that ultimately there is an emotional component to the college decision so they will create presentations and campus tours to maximize the emotional component.
Stick around
Most general campus visits will be 2 - 2.5 hours in length. This includes the initial presentation followed by a campus tour. But the initial campus visit, in my opinion, is just the start. For example, I usually plan for an additional 2-3 hours on the visit so I can see things that weren’t a part of the visit. Walk around, go through buildings, talk to students.
Add on a department visit
Many visits will provide an opportunity for you to meet with professors or staff in various academic departments. Interested in engineering? Meet with an engineering professor and learn what kind of labs and research are available. Music or theater interest? Visit the department of fine arts or theater. Or even go see a play or musical performance. If your student has a learning difference, meet with staff from the disability services (or accessibility) office. Also try to meet with financial aid staff. Every office you visit, and everyone you meet with, get their business card and contact information.
Take notes
Bring a notebook and take notes. Take pictures of the presentation with your phone. Capture the little things they say, especially the orientation ambassadors. Ambassadors are students who take you around campus and answer your questions.
Send a follow-up email
Send an email to the admission counselor for your area. Thank them for providing the opportunity to visit and learn more about the school. State your genuine appreciation and interest in the school and ask one follow-up question.
Ask questions
See below…
University of Denver campus
Questions
What is the campus like on the weekends? Do students generally stick around or do many travel or go home?
What are some of the most popular or well-known campus traditions?
What are some of the most popular majors on campus?
What are the job placement or grad school placement rates for students in this major?
Where are the places you like to go study or hang out on campus? What about off campus? (asked to the Orientation Ambassador)
What kind of scholarships are available to students on an annual basis?
What does off-campus renting look like for college students?
How would you describe the relationship between the school and the community?
How diverse is the student population?
How can a student secure an internship or co-op and access career services?
What are the average sizes for first-year and introductory classes?
What mental health and wellbeing resources are available for students?
If I reviewed your Clery report that highlights campus safety, what would it tell me?
What are some of the most popular student organizations?
What is the university’s plan and goals for the next five years?
What would you say are five things that are unique to this school?
What is the four year graduation rate for students in this major?
How does the university promote cross-cultural understanding and global awareness?
Are there cultural centers or affinity spaces for specific communities, including for veterans, single parents, or people with learning differences?
What are the trends with campus enrollment numbers of the last five years?
What is one major improvement the college has done in the last five years to support students and make their experience even better?
How much have student fees and other charges beyond tuition, increased over the last five years?
You may have other questions that are specific to you and your wants/needs. Remember to go beyond the surface of what the school is telling you and showing you. It’s your education - it’s your experience. Make it the right one for your and your goals.
What have I missed? Do you have any questions you want to have answered when you visit colleges? Share them below!
I empower college-curious and college-bound students and families with the knowledge, tools, and confidence for college success. I will guide you through the complexities of college admissions and beyond, so you can create your boundless life.
Have a question or comment? Please leave it in the comment section below or contact me at mark@mastalskicoaching.com.
There’s no one way to do college.
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