With so many college choices available and the important differences between colleges, the task of finding the right college can, at times, seem overwhelming.  After a while, all of the brochures begin to look alike - attractive buildings, open green spaces and smiling students.  From the publications, it appears that the weather on campus is always late spring or early fall, the grass is always green and the skies clear.  Okay, but even though it all looks good from what I have seen, should I visit the college?

How important is the college visit?

It is the most important step in the decision making process.  Picking a college is a major decision - certainly more important than buying a car.  Can you imagine anyone investing $20,000 in a car that they have not seen?  Would you consider buying a car just because you saw a picture of it in a magazine?

A campus visit is the only way that you can get to see the college up close - to see those places not in the admission brochures.  It is also an opportunity to meet some of the students and to talk to them to find out if they are satisfied with the school. 

How do I arrange for a visit?

Call the admission office at the college and ask out about their campus visit program.  All colleges offer visits but each college has designed it own program for visiting students.  A particular college may offer some or all of the following opportunities to those visiting the campus.

Ask the admission office what services are offered and how much time you should plan on spending on campus.  Also ask about directions and parking.

When should I visit?

Unless your family has unlimited resources, you will probably want to hold off on campus visits until after you have compiled a short list of institutions in which you are interested.  If some of these are far away, you may want to wait until you know whether or not you have been accepted - there isn't a good reason to visit a school that won't admit you.  (Some colleges will offer information programs in various locations throughout the country.  Attending these meetings may offer a low cost alternative to traveling to the school.)

The best time to visit a college is when classes are in session (September through early May.) During these times the college is in full operation and you will have a better idea of what the campus is like on most school days.   

There is always a temptation to schedule more than one college visit per day, spending the morning at one school and the afternoon at another.  Families who have done this usually report that they didn't have enough time at either place.  The best plan is to spend one day at each college and to use all day trying to get a good feel for the college.

What should I look for during the visit?

The college will make sure that you see the very best parts of the institution during the formal part of the visit.  A current student will usually serve as the tour guide. They will show you all of the good places on campus - the best laboratories, the nicest dormitories, and other top spots.    You should plan on spending some free time on campus after the formal tour.  Ask for a campus map and walk around on your own - look inside the buildings that you just passed by while on the tour.  If the tour didn't stop in the career services office, stop by and talk with the staff about the services they offer and their record of placing graduates. Pick up a campus newspaper and check out the bulletin boards and bookstore. What is of interest to their students? What do they like to do? What do they complain about?

If time allows, have a meal on campus and use the opportunity to talk with currently enrolled students.  Find out what they think about the school.  Ask them if they had to do it all over again, would they still make the same choice.  Ask them whether or not faculty members are willing to spend time with them outside of class.  The real job you have during the campus visit is to find out what the college is really like.

Do you have any final hints?

After several college visits, some of the things they you were sure you would remember about a particular school may be forgotten.  Was it college A or college B that had that great new residence hall?  Was it college B or college C that had the new athletic facility?  The best way to keep things straight is to keep a journal for each visit.  Make sure to make a complete record of each visit noting those things that were impressive as well as those things that were not so outstanding.  Take a camera with you.  The saying that a picture is worth a thousand words is true when it comes to remembering the details of a college visit. 

Before going to campus, find out if any students from your high school are attending the college.  See if you can set up a time to meet with them when you are on campus - a pizza offer will usually overcome any reluctance they have to spending some time talking to you.  Ask them about how they like the school, what problems they encountered and what recommendations they have about the academic programs.  Ask them about the advising system, the quality of teaching and if they find the place intellectually challenging.

Review the college's publications before visiting.  Formulate a list of questions about the school.  In other words, go to the college with some idea of what you are looking for and don't leave campus until you have gotten answers to your questions.

Remember, your feelings about the place are very important.  If it doesn't feel right, it is probably not a good fit.  If it feels right it might be a good place for you.