The Preliminary Visit

One of the most important steps in the road to higher education is finding the right fit. Too many students plunge into the college application process without first visiting campuses to discover what atmosphere makes them most comfortable.

The very first thing students and families should do after settling on a list of prospective colleges is to schedule preliminary visits. These visits consist of campus tours with current students and information sessions or individual conversations with admission professionals. This first step should not be a high-pressure situation but rather an opportunity for students to really see what a college is like first-hand. The best time for this type of visit is in the spring of the junior year. Keep a notebook handy for notes and thoughts. I remember visiting colleges with my family and on the way out of campus each of us would write down the best things, the worst things, and overall thoughts. It really helps to keep a record once you are visiting 2-3 schools a day.

Once you have completed preliminary visits, it is time to do more research. Before you visit again, come up with some campus-specific questions for both the tour guides and the admission professionals. Review the campus information (view books, catalogs) for specific and overall facts so that for your next visit, you will go in knowing at least a little bit about each college.

The Senior Visit

It is late August or early September of your senior year. Now is the time to schedule your formal college visits. Colleges will begin to fill up very quickly, so be sure to give yourself three to four weeks lead time to get an appointment.

Once you book the appointment, find out who you will be speaking with, if you will have a tour, and how long the process will take. This will help with planning for the rest of the day’s visits. I do not recommend visiting more than three schools in a day—more than that gets confusing, tiring, and if the schools are far apart, stressful!

Follow the basic rules for appointments:

1. Dress well—I’m not talking dresses and suits, but dress as though you were going to a job interview. Never chew gum, or wear hats, sunglasses, ripped clothing, etc. This is the first impression the office will have of you. Treat the process with respect.

2. Arrive on time (not too early, never late) a good rule of thumb is to arrive 10-15 minutes early.

3. When you get to the Admission Office, approach the front desk and tell them that you have an appointment for a tour and an interview.

4. When the Admission representative comes in, stand up and shake hands. Introduce him/her to the people you are with. It is advised that you bring a parent (or two) with you rather than friends—unless that friend is also interested in the college you are visiting. Remember, this is your visit—you should be able to handle it on your own.

5. Be attentive and responsive during your discussion with the Admission Representative. Always try to answer questions in complete sentences. The person you are meeting with is trying to get to know you—that is pretty hard to do if all you say is yes or no. Have a folder or notebook with prepared questions. The representative will certainly ask if you have any questions, and they are often impressed with your preparedness.

6. At the end of the visit, thank the representative, shake their hand, ask for a business card, and go on your way.

7. When you get home, write a quick thank you to the person you met with (hence the business card) and possibly the tour guide. This card will most likely go into your admission application file.

Some colleges will not have individual visits or tours. Nevertheless, try to follow the same process as described above. You will definitely stand out from the crowd. If you are in a large group tour or a group information session, be sure to prepare questions or comments. Try to be as close to the front of the tour or session as possible. Maintain eye contact with the presenter as much as possible.

The college visit process can be a very scary thing. Keep in mind that this is your chance to make an impression, but it is also the Admission Office’s time to promote the institution to you. You do not need to be scared, or intimidated (a little nervous is OK).

Most admission professionals got into the career of admissions because they love to talk with and help students just like you. Try to find a connection with them since the more of you they remember, the better off you will be in the final review.

Relax, have fun, listen, and learn. Visiting colleges is the best way to ensure that you are the right fit for them and that they are the right fit for you. Good luck!

Editorial provided by Laura K. Brink, Associate Director of Admission, Endicott College, Beverly, MA.

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