<p>My brother's a rising senior and since we're on break, my family was wondering when we should (should he at all?) visit colleges he wants to apply to. He's the first in our family to go to college, so we don't really know this process.</p>
<p>Is it even worth it to visit colleges? What about OOS colleges? Should he visit colleges over the summer or take time out of the school year?</p>
<p>He should visit colleges, and do it any time of the year he can get there. Summers and school breaks there will be fewer students around, so that’s a drawback. But seeing campuses before attending is important and part of the investment anyone who can afford it should make. If he’s confused about what kind of school he wants to attend, he can learn some things by going to nearby schools, so as not to spend a lot of money: a state school of 10-30K undergrads, a medium size private uni of 4-9 thousand u/gs, and a small liberal arts college of 2-3 thousand. This will enable brother to decide whether he prefers a certain size or kind of institution before making trips to far away schools. Schools will have special days when they’re very well organized to receive students, but almost any day of the year (ck on Sundays and holidays) you can find a tour of the school, so go. And you go, too, little brother or sister.</p>
<p>Okay, thank you! :)</p>
<p>One student on here suggested you take a voice recorder along and make notes on it as you go thru the tour. </p>
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A systematic approach might suit your brother best. Any good book about college admissions will talk about how to find colleges that are a fit for what one is looking for, how to understand financial aid, tips on applying, what to do on a college visit. One book I recommend is “Admission Matters”</p>
<p>Thanks for the book rec! We’ll keep it in mind :)</p>