College visits are important. Before you commit years of your life and money to a school, be sure you're choosing a place that is a good match for your personality and interests. You can't get the “feel” of a school from any guidebook, so be sure to visit the campus. Below are a few tips for getting the most out of your college visit.
Explore on Your Own
Of course you should take the official campus tour, but be sure to allow time to hang around on your own. The trained tour guides will show you a school's selling points. But the oldest and prettiest buildings don't give you the entire picture of a college. Try to walk the extra mile and get the complete picture of the campus.
Read the Bulletin Boards
When you visit the student center, academic buildings and residence halls, take a few minutes to read the bulletin boards. They provide an easy way to see what's happening on campus. The ads for lectures, clubs and plays can tell you what's going on outside the classrooms.
Eat in the Dining Hall
You can get a good feel for student life by eating in the dining hall. Try to sit with students if you can. Do the students seem happy or stressed? Also, is the food good? Are there adequate healthy options? Many admission offices will give prospective students coupons (优惠券) for free meals in the dining halls.
Visit a Class in Your Major
If you know what you want to study, a class visit makes a lot of sense. You'll get to observe other students in your field and see how involved they are in classroom discussion. Try to stay after class for a few minutes and chat with the students to get their impressions of their professors and major. Be sure to call in advance to schedule a classroom visit—most colleges don't allow visitors to drop in at class unannounced.
Talk to Lots of Students
Your campus tour guide has been trained to market the school. Try to talk to students who aren't getting paid to impress you. These important conversations can often provide you with information about college life that isn't part of the admission script. Few university officials will tell you if their students spend all weekend drinking or studying, but a group of random students might.
For more tips, please go tocollegeapps.about.com.
