College visits are invaluable for high school students as they provide a comprehensive and personalized understanding of the college environment. The visits should be purposeful, contributing to a more efficient and meaningful college exploration process. Typically, visits begin in the junior year.
A purposeful college visit allows prospective students to gather specific information about the college, such as its academic programs, culture, facilities, and overall environment.
Students can take proactive steps to prepare for college visits, ensuring a productive and informative experience:
- Visit local colleges—A practical and insightful starting point in college exploration (while minimizing travel costs!). Visiting local colleges can help to identify preliminary preferences.
Identify Preliminary Requirements and Preferences (take note of them!)
- Academic Program or Major. Be sure the college offers the program you are interested in.
- Campus Size & Location. Consider whether you prefer a small, medium, or large campus. Think about the location, climate, and proximity to home.
- Ensure that a recognized accreditation body accredits the program.
- Class Size and Student-to-Faculty Ratio. Evaluate the average class size and the student-to-faculty ratio for personalized attention.
- Extracurricular Activities. Explore the variety and availability of clubs, sports, and other activities.
- Internship and Job Placement Opportunities. Investigate the college’s track record in helping students secure internships and job placements.
- Retention and Graduation Rates. Look into these rates to gauge student satisfaction and success.
- Support Services. Consider the availability of academic support services, counseling, and health services. Check if there are resources for students with specific needs or disabilities.
- Diversity and Inclusion. Evaluate the diversity of the student body and the college’s commitment to inclusion to be sure they align with your values.
- Financial Aid and Cost—last but not least!! Assess the cost of tuition, fees, room and board, scholarships, need-based aid, and your budget. Focus your college visits on institutions within your budget to maximize your exploration experience.
Stay tuned for next week’s article as we delve even deeper, providing you with more valuable tips to enhance the purposefulness of your college visits.
Sentinel Article, February 8, 2024