College Visits: Try Before You Buy
from Carol
There is no better way to understand the culture of a school than to be on the campus, take a tour, and visit with current students and admissions officers. If you are able to take advantage of this part of your college search, it will bring you confidence that your selection is the best fit – academically, athletically, and culturally.
During a visit, you are evaluating the school.
How will this environment serve your growth and development? What criteria are most important to you? Consider the location, population, class size, programs and degrees, social opportunities, post-graduation opportunities.
During the application process, the school is evaluating you.
How will you positively impact this community? Do you have the necessary attributes to be successful here – competitive grades, scores, rankings, community service activities? Do your homework. Research the school’s website.
On your visit… Be Yourself
Take a tour. Ask questions. Visit with the guide. He or she is usually a student and will love to talk about personal experiences at the school. Walk the campus, set up an interview with admissions. If available, sit in on a class. Visit the student center or lounge. Visit the dining halls. Visit the library. These are the places that can give you a sense of the campus culture.
Academics… Educate Yourself
How many students can you expect in your lower and upper level courses – 15 or 150? Is this a teaching university or a research university? Who teaches classes – professors or grad students? What year are you required to declare a major? Can you double major? Is your major available to athletes? Is academic scholarship available? Meet with an admissions counselor.
Athletics… Develop Yourself
When you are considering the best fit for pursuing athletics, consider the goal. How do you hope to use tennis as a tool for your personal development? Which school is more appropriate for your goals? Are you hoping to further your training to become a professional athlete? What type of coaching style do you prefer? How many are on the team roster? How many spots do they have for your graduation year? Is scholarship money available? Are you competitive with the players currently on the team (UTR)? Visit the sports facilities. Meet with the coach.
Culture… Know Yourself
All of the above criteria creates culture, but you should also pay attention to details. Is the school located in the heart of a big city? Is it a small school? or is it a school the size of a small city? What is the ratio of undergraduates to graduates? What clubs or other student activities may be of interest to you? Art? Singing? Greek life? Philanthropic work? Is there a travel abroad program? What are the opportunities after graduation? Does this culture fit YOU?
Before You Go
Write: 1) your personal statement – a few sentences about who you are and what you want from your college experience; 2) your numbers – GPA, SAT/ACT, UTR; 3) questions for admissions, coaches, students. Keep this with you during tours and interviews to take notes and to remind you of your questions.
After Your Visit
Jot down pertinent and interesting facts. Take pictures to remind yourself later of some of the unique things about the school and the people. Do this during or immediately after your visit while it is fresh on your mind.
Summary
A ‘good college’ is one that fits you. It supports your goals and dreams. College visits are like trying on clothes before you make a selection. Prior to purchasing an entire 4-year wardrobe of a college or university, try it on for size, color, style, and comfort. It will likely increase your satisfaction by ten-fold!