When you are contemplating attending college, you will want to be prepared to take tours of the different campuses. Each campus will be unique and it is important that you weigh the pros and cons of each campus as you move toward selecting the college you will attend. .
Making the most of your visit to a college campus will ensure that you are going to really get a feel for whether or not you are a good match with the college. Because of the time and money that you will be spending in college, it is extremely important that you find a good fit.
Contact the dean of the program that you are most interested in before you attend the campus tour. Ask the dean if you can sit in on a class while you are visiting the campus, so you can get a feel for the class sizes and the way that students and teachers interact.
Although one class will not be indicative of all of the classes at the school, you may be able to get a pretty accurate feel for the school. Take notes about what you do and do not like while you are in class and you may even want to stay after class and talk with the professor.
After attending a class, you will also want to find out what students do for fun. Talk with a few different students and read through the college newspaper to see what events are occurring around campus and to get familiar with the community of students.
There are some schools that have programs set up to ensure that those students looking at attending the school can get to know a current student. Getting to know a current student is a great way to ensure that you are able to get an accurate view of the community.
As you are talking with students, you should take time to ask real questions. Ask them any questions that you may have about the community and what they do and do not enjoy about the school that they are attending.
While you are on campus, you might as well make a stop at the cafeteria that you would eat in if you decided to attend the school. Although this should not make or break your decision, it is important to know whether or not you would like to eat on campus.
If you have the time, you may just want to walk around the campus on your own. Getting a feel for the different buildings and the students that are on campus can be a great way to feel out whether or not you would fit in at a specific college.
Take your time making your decision and do not be afraid to consult with trusted adults about the pros and cons of different schools. Deciding where you are going to go to college can feel daunting and a campus may be exactly what you need to calm your nerves and make a wise and educated decision.
Make sure to also review our list of best backpacks for college students before starting your college.