<p>I was wondering if I could get any input for those of you who have visited colleges. Here's some things I'd like to know;
1) What were some things that EVERYONE visiting a college should check out. I'm thinking a class, the residential hall, etc. Any other place in particular that many people don't think of at first...?
2) Did you parents come with you for everything? What are some things that you DEFF want your parents with you for and what are places/things you'd like to experience for yourself?
3) Are you suppose to schedule everything before you go?
4) Everyone says you should talk to some students/profs/etc. Is there anyone that you're happy you spoke with? Who do you think gave you the most insight and how do you find these happy-go-lucky students that don't mind talking with a high school student for a little bit?
5) Should everything be through a tour? Personally, I'm prob going to tour colleges officially, but I'd also like to get a sense of the college from a person other than those who are told to "make you love it."</p>
<p>1)
a. definitely try to visit a class (i realize in the summer it's impossible)
b. dining room/cafeteria.. food quality is important haha
c. dorms!! you'll be living in it for 4 years remember
d. library and other facilities' accessibilities
e. check out like the hallway "boards" and see how active clubs are and what goes around in the campus
f. pick up a copy of the school's student-run newspaper
2)
my parents did come for everything.. they did the tour and info session with me. i didn't mind it. some people do. i found it helpful to have my parents' input b/c they often see stuff that i'm not able to catch on. for example the dorms/food stuff i found my parents to be helpful b/c parents tend to recognize the practical issues than most high school adolescents
3) some colleges do (like nyu because so many ppl try to visit). most colleges don't.. interviews you definitely have to schedule
4) if you're kind of shy like me and dislike approaching random students.. maybe talk to your school alums who have gone to that school you're visiting or are currently enrolled there. but i think that if the students there really love the school, they'll be more than happy to brag about their school to you
5) i think you should go on the tours but do so with a grain of salt.. these students are trained by the admissions office to present the school in the best light possible (e.g. show dorms that are huge and are definitely not the "avg" college dorm) but i definitely found the tours helpful!</p>
<p>sorry for the long post and good luck!</p>
<p>I am a parent. We went with my daughter to all school visits. Prior to the visit she would contact one or two professors in her field of interest. They gave her good advice and also wrote letters on her behalf later.</p>
<p>There is also one thing we usually did - we always sat at a student union (or cafeteria) for a while to watch students. I would ask my D if she could see herself be part of any group of sitting there or walking by. If after an hour, she couldn't see herself with any of them, then that's a no.</p>
<p>We never got much out of tours, but we usually look for how articulate the guide is and what kind of kids are at the tour. Contacting some students from your HS to get a private tour is the best. They will give you honest answers.</p>
<p>My D is telling all incoming seniors not to fall in love with any school until you are accepted.</p>
<p>Check out the schedule of classes for the last few years. Try to see if you could map out four years of classes based on these schedules or if the offerings are just not rich enough.</p>
<p>You are paying big bucks for the educational experience. Put most of your research into offerings in your intended major, and similar majors should you decide to switch. What is the spectrum of classes like, what are the research opportunities, how are the classes taught, how accessible are the professors?</p>
<p>Dorms seem to be a topic of much concern here, but the reality is that every school has a variety of dorm styles in a wide range of conditions. You may get something brand-new, or you may get something that was cutting edge in the 1950's. You'll deal with it. Anyone who lives in a dorm will have to learn how to share a bath, clean up after himself, tune out random noise at all hours. You will, too. One thing to look into, though, is whether housing is guarateed for four years. </p>
<p>Check into things to do during your off hours. Your favorite hobby or sport will help you deal with college stress, and should be included in your survey of a school.</p>
<p>How hard is it to get to and from school? An ten-hour travel day may seem doable at first, but it gets to be a major pain, especially when a Thanksgiving travel crush or Christmas snow messes up the route. Look for something under 6 hours travel from your home, whether by air, bus or car.</p>
<p>You should get a feel for the "campus culture," but if you are the quiet type, know that you may have to search for others like yourself. Don't rule out a school by judging a few students.</p>
<p>If you already have an intended major, I suggest that you also try to meet with the department head or other faculty member while you are there. My son has done this at several colleges -- emailing the department head in advance to set up a meeting. (You can usually get the name and email address off the school's website.) Everyone he contacted was more than willing to spend some time with him. (15-20 minutes is about right)</p>
<p>You can learn a whole lot about the specific academic department this way -- getting info that is not on the website: number of students graduating with that major, where they go after graduating (jobs, graduate school, med school, etc.), how easy it is to double major with another field, if the department has a particular emphasis (for example, applied math vs. pure math), etc.</p>