Jana Persky & Maureen Dinnie
Editorial Director & Senior Editor
With spring break approaching, many sophomores and juniors are planning their college visit schedules. As you ooh and aah at beautiful campuses and slog through dozens of information sessions, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
1. Choose your tour guide well. Pick the tour guide who is most similar to you in terms of home location, interests and potential majors. “I always picked the tour guide who had similar hobbies or academics because I found that I could visualize myself there better when I saw someone doing the things I want to do, “ senior Julia Pasini said. Especially when visiting a far-away campus, a student from the Northeast could share their knowledge about transportation to and from the campus or cultural adjustments that should be expected. A loud voice is always a necessity as well.
2. But….find a current student to talk to besides your tour guide. Paid or volunteer, tour guides are employed by the university, and this affects what they say. “They don’t necessarily lie to you,” senior Stas Kurtokov said, “but they color the truth because they are chosen to present the school in the best light.” Asking questions of someone you meet in the library or the cafeteria can often give you a more genuine perspective about social life, academics and school culture, especially if you approach them without your parents.
3. Explore the area around the school. Your college life won’t just be spent on campus. Check out the nightlife, shopping options and safety of the surrounding area. “I want to know if people are going to be leaving campus a lot or if the nightlife is entirely on campus,” senior Patricia Kilbride said.
“You also want to make sure the area is safe,” said senior Lauren Wilcox. College websites are notorious for directing visitors toward the most scenic route, so if you follow the website directions on the ride in, drive out a different way.
4. Eat in the cafeteria. You will be forced to eat the food for four years, so it is important to make sure that you like it ahead of time. “It would be a miserable four years if you didn’t like the food,” Julia said. “Also, the cafeteria is a good place to get a sense of the students who attend [the school you are visiting].” Spend some time sampling the various options, looking at the menu, and observing the student body.
5. Think of the little things that are important to you. Are you addicted to daily skim chai latte? Make sure that there is a Starbucks on campus. Do you like to watch movies on your laptop in bed? Ask about Wi-Fi in the dorms. Think of the things that you absolutely just couldn’t live without, and make sure your school accommodates them. “I always look up late night dining options,” senior Keri Lloyd said. “If all the dining halls close at 7, that’s not okay.”
