GRAND TOUR /

By Julie Young

THE COLLEGE VISIT is a time-honored tradition and an important part of a student’s scholastic journey. It gives them the chance to try on a variety of academic environments and learn more about the physical campuses, degree programs and course offerings, and student life. While collegiate visits vary by school and student interest, each offers standard and semi-custom tours that can help prospective applicants and their families get a feel for the institution and make the most of their time on campus.

Beyond The Basics

Pursuing a post-secondary education is not only a significant financial investment, but it’s also a highly personal choice. Families should discuss what they want from the college experience, then make a list of schools that may fulfill their requirements. Characteristics like campus size, location, accommodations, housing, access to faculty, academic programs, campus life, and athletics should all be taken into consideration when weighing the options. Decide what qualities are most important to your student and keep an eye out for those details during your visit. Faith Haley, admissions executive director for Indiana State University, recommends that students ask lots of questions, take pictures and videos, and talk to everyone they meet. “You should walk away with a good sense of whether or not this could be a good fit for you,” she says.

A standard college visit should include a tour of the campus and some type of interaction with the admissions office. This might be structured as an information session with other prospective applicants, a presentation, or a one-on-one meeting with an admissions counselor. Larger schools tend to offer these opportunities in groups, while small to medium schools may schedule them individually. When classes are in session, campus tours are led by current student ambassadors who can offer insights into the campus lifestyle. Depending on the time of year, visitors may be invited to attend a class or meet with faculty members.

Mike Targonski, director of admission visits and events at Valparaiso University, says visitors attending open houses, preview days, and special events will likely see presentations, group sessions, and tours for interested families. “These are great opportunities, especially early on in the college search. Events like this will likely have a combination of a general college presentation, academic sessions, a campus tour, and interest sessions or tours,” he says.

When planning your personal visit, it is helpful for prospective applicants and their families to think about what they would like to learn during their time on campus and ask for experiences that best meet their needs. Many schools offer customized or semi-custom visits that may include appointments with specific departments, a session with a financial aid counselor, an overnight stay (often reserved for admitted students), or a com- plimentary meal.

When scheduling a visit, reach out to the admissions office ahead of time to inquire about additional opportunities, and don’t hesitate to ask if you would like more information about an experience, program, or process. “Admissions staff and students are very eager to assist families throughout the college search process and want to provide helpful information and insight,” says Stephanie Stephenson, senior associate director of admissions at Indiana University’s Bloomington campus.

Soak Up The Surroundings

During college visits, families will naturally want some basic information about admission requirements and costs, but it is also worthwhile to inquire about potential scholarship opportunities and fi nancial aid deadlines. Parents should ask what makes the institution unique and which habits and activities will help position their children for success beyond college. Find out more about the support systems in place to make the transition to college life less challenging, and don’t forget to evaluate both the strengths and weaknesses of a place and its people.

Chip Timmons, dean for enrollment management and director of admissions with Wabash College, says visitors should ask more open-ended questions during their tours. They should inquire about the most valuable skills and talents students learn during their four years on campus and what kinds of adjustments enrollees typically make in order to be academically successful. Students should expect different answers from different types of institutions, but the responses will help them determine whether they see themselves fitting into particular environments. Timmons also encourages prospective applicants to ask faculty, students, staff, and administrators why they chose a particular school and, more importantly, why they stay. “[They] had plenty of options but chose to make that school their academic or professional home. Why? If the people being asked these questions are happy with their choices, students should expect quick, thoughtful answers,” he says.

Andrew Hendricks, interim vice president for enrollment and marketing and director of athletics at Franklin College, says the college experience should be transformational as opposed to transactional, and students should know that they are selecting a place that will help them grow and develop as a human, both inside and outside of the classroom. “I suggest they ask about the culture of the campus, such as social activities, clubs, and Greek life,” he says. “I also suggest that they ask about support from professors and academic resources, as well as internship experiences, professional outcomes, and other interests, such as study abroad opportunities.”

Optimize The Experience

Because campus tour capacities can be limited and appointments tend to fi ll up quickly, especially at larger institutions, families should start planning their visits early to maximize the available options. In addition to the standard campus visit the school offers, be sure to build some time in your schedule to informally check out popular gathering areas and the community surrounding the campus on your own.

Sample the fare at the dining hall (if not included) or have a meal at a nearby restaurant and tell the locals you are in town for a college visit. This is a great way to get an opinion of the school from someone who isn’t on the payroll. You should also evaluate the safety and security measures that are in place both on and off campus.

“While the campus visit is an important piece of the college search, you will want to make sure that you feel comfortable and at home in the area surrounding the school, as it will be your home away from home throughout your college experience,” Stephenson says.