Juniors: it's time. Time to get started on visiting colleges, that is. You have (hopefully!) developed a list of potential colleges, but just like you wouldn't buy a car without a test drive, you shouldn't attend a college without visiting sometime in the application process.
Spring of your junior year is one of the best times to get on the road and visit those colleges that are on your list. You aren't stressed about applications, you have time to browse around and check out schools that you aren't familiar with, or to take a closer look at schools you know pretty well. So, get on the phone or email a counselor and set up an appointment. Although you may want to plan your schedule with your parents first, YOU should be the one to make the call. Keep in mind that every contact with the admissions office is one more opportunity to impress them, and, believe me, they will not be impressed if you have your mommy call for you.
What should you do while on the campus? Ask your admissions rep to schedule these things:
1. An appointment with the admissions office, for them to meet you and you to ask the questions you may have (and do have some).
2. A tour of the school.
3. Sit in on a class-- in your major, if you know what that might be, or in a general class (English, science, etc) if you aren't sure
4. Find out if the school has overnight visits--many have student volunteers that will host visitors overnight, giving you an opportunity to interact with more students, and see what dorm life is like at the school. Be prepared with a sleeping bag, pillow and small gift for the host--my daughters took boxes of salt water taffy for their hosts, and it was greatly appreciated.
5. Eat in the cafeteria.
6. Pick up publications in the admissions office and around campus.
If you plan carefully, you can fit all of this into less than 24 hours!
Try not to plan too many visits in one trip--it can be exhausting, and can affect your reaction to the later schools negatively. 2 or 3 at a time is plenty.
Remember to keep a logbook of what was you liked or didn't like about a school--believe me, after a while they all start to blend together.
So start your planning and hit the road. Spring break is a great time to get started.
This web site: http://goseecampus.com/college-advice has some great articles and help on planning and conducting college visits--check it out.
