<p>Do you all think it is best to make a college visit on your own, with your friends, or with your parents?</p>
<p>My sister made all her visits with our parents, but I recently made my first college visit with them and I can't say I had a good time. It's not that I was embarassed of them, because I wasn't. They just kind of were like a ball and chain--not only did they insist on seeing many things I had no interest in, they totally gave me away as a prospective. While that's not necessarily a bad thing, I really wanted to feel what it was like to actually be a student there, and in the end, I wished I had gone alone or with my friends. So what are all your opinions on this?</p>
<p>As a parent of a college student, my dh and I were able to accompany our son on several visits, but we faded into the woodwork when appropriate. We let him totally take the lead.</p>
<p>If your parents are not able to do that, then you should go alone, IMO. You do not want to be distracted or influenced by your friends' opinions at this critical time. The question of whether a college is a good "fit" is such a personal one that you should rely on your OWN feelings, and not those of others, even your best friend in the entire world whom you've known since you were 6 1/2.</p>
<p>Maybe you could have a calm chat with your parents and explain to them what you do and don't want them to do on a college visit. Good luck!</p>
<p>Go with friends....it's more fun and you're better able to ask the questions you want without worrying about how your parents are going to take it.</p>
<p>On the other hand, some of my friends who did go with one of their parents had a good time and got closer...the common thread to those experiences were that the parents let their kids do all the questioning and were non-judgemental--even when it took all their energy to remain quiet and in the background.</p>
<p>I've had good experiences when touring with friends. It's your time to speak with friends about college concerns and compare notes unencumbered by the wants/needs/desires of your parents. Parents sometimes make the initial choice of where to apply less than fun.</p>
<p>Well there you have it--2 diametrically opposed opinions, both with merit. The bottom line is, you have to decide which scenario will allow you to have a clear and unbiased view of the schools you are visiting. There is no one right answer.</p>
<p>my parents accompanied me on all of my visits, and i was really pretty appreciative of them the first time around. they thought of some questions i wouldn't have, and my mom is really good about writing notes (haha). also when visiting their respective alma maters, they knew all the good places to hang out, got me into a sorority house, and helped me make conversation with professors. as far as the other visits, i think i could have found my way around just fine, though. i did sometimes want to see what it would be like hanging out around the other students without my parents on my back, but mine were pretty good about giving me my space and going off to do their own thing. if yours don't want to ditch you for awhile or are hogging all of the talking time, then go ahead and go with friends. but if you're going to be making any serious contact with faculty where they'll get your face and name, it's always good for them to see your parents close by...college is a huge financial commitment, and schools like to see an involved set of guardians ;).</p>