There is no singular activity that can tell you more about a college than a campus visit. Websites, mailers and, even visits from admissions officers are all marketing materials. Their collective goal is to convince you to apply. They will show you photos of tree-lined walkways, recreational facilities like rock climbing walls and beach volleyball and legions of enthusiastic students supporting their all-star team. They will not be so forthcoming in telling you that the campus is falling apart, students run around stressed and depressed or that the library has a strange stench that can neither be identified nor resolved. This is why a campus visit is imperative before making your college decision. Walking through campus, meeting the faculty and students and eating in the cafeteria will give you a much more accurate understanding of what life as a student at that school will be like.
During your visit, take note of these things:
- How many students are sporting the college sweatshirt? This will give you an idea of how strong the school spirit is at this institution.
- Is there a general uniformity to the student body or are there different groups of students on campus? How are students dressed? Are they preppy, alternative or outdoorsy? Do a significant portion of students have piercings or tattoos? This will give you an idea of how liberal or conservative the student body is and whether the culture is a good fit for you.
- Outside of class, are students sitting together in groups or are they sitting alone, with headphones on? This will give you a sense of how collaborative the community is.
- In between classes, are students talking with professors on college green or do faculty speed through campus with their heads down, in a rush to get to their next classes? This will tell you how approachable professors are, both in and out of class.
- Are facilities in good shape or are they falling apart? This will give you a sense of the school’s financial health and whether they are continuing to invest in the future.
