You wouldn’t rent a house or an apartment without seeing it first, would you? The same thing applies when you are choosing a college.
No matter how much your parents are urging you to go to a particular university or however solid the reputation of a college that you have your eyes on is, you still shouldn’t make that final decision without paying the campus a visit first.
So when you want to apply to one Texas’ colleges or universities, get ready to visit the schools ‘campuses to learn more about what provides you with the pathways and knowledge you will need if you want to advance to a great career and improve professional and private life.
The numerous benefits of campus visits
So what exactly is so important about campus visits? What are the benefits that you will get to enjoy as a result of scheduling one for you and your parents or you and your friends?
First of all, you can make a fun yet valuable road trip out of your campus visit. If you are planning to attend the local college or the nearest university in your area, even the simple act of dropping by and checking it out would give you a feel of the campus environment.
Second, a campus visit will eliminate any surprises about the educational institution that you plan on attending. Sure, a college might look great in a brochure or a pamphlet but after visiting, you might not like the ‘feel’ of the campus at all. Bear in mind that college classes work very differently from what you had in high school!
Did you know that there are even horror stories of some students going by the reputation of the school alone and applying without paying the campus a visit? Once the student got accepted to a prestigious university, he found out later on that it was an all-male school – which he did not like at all. A simple campus visit would have solved this problem.
Tips to remember when planning a campus visit
Choosing the right college or university in college in Texas is already hard enough, so now that you already understand the importance of campus visits, here are a few tips that you need to keep in mind when scheduling one:
1. Come prepared
Your campus visit will be of no use if you don’t come prepared. Prior to the day that you’re supposed to pay the college campus a visit, make sure to read the literature provided for incoming students.
Bring your transcript of records, just in case you are able to schedule an interview with the admission officers. If you have any questions about the academic requirements or the athletic/academic scholarships that the college offers, write them down. This way, you will be able to make the most out of your visit.
2. Take note of your visit, and even snap a few pictures
Just as it is when you are purchasing a product, you are actually paying for the service provided by the school when you go to a college. So if you want to get the best value out of your or your parents’ hard-earned money, make a comparison between the benefits and rates offered by each college that you will visit.
Bring your camera along as well, taking a few photos and reviewing them later on definitely can’t hurt. If you visit a college campus to see how it looks and what it feels like, bring also a college visit checklist so you won’t forget to address any points of importance.
3. If possible, spend a night at the college
Talk to the students and spend the night at the residence hall if possible. This way, you will have a feel of how it is to actually study there and this should play a big role when making your decision.
You will notice that there are so many different kinds of people in college. If in your hometown everyone looks and acts the same and life is a bit dull, you may be surprised by the variety of people you’ll see in college. That’s one of the major differences between high school and college. Just don’t get overwhelmed. Soon, you’ll get accustomed to that.
4. Explore the campus on your own
There will probably be a guided tour but make sure to squeeze in the time to explore the campus on your own. Read the bulletin boards, see if you can schedule a class visit or simply walk around so that you get the complete campus visit experience.
At the end of the day, keep in mind that you will be spending four years of your life at the college that you will be attending, so it is extremely important to schedule a campus visit before making your final decision.
Don’t blindly rely on what others are saying, don’t let the reputation of the college trick you into thinking that it represents the best choice for absolutely everyone.
This also counts if you’re looking to get accepted into a college athletic training program and would like to secure an athletic training scholarship. Getting a feel of the school really matters and there are so many myths associated with it.
Particularly when you’ve taken a gap your after high school, you will have to go through the school’s information for incoming students again as you may have forgotten most.
As said earlier, choosing the right university or college in Texas is hard enough so keep these points in mind when you’re planning a campus visit.
Making choices
Think about it this way: life is all about making choices and being responsible for your actions. Choosing a college is one of the first tests you will be facing as an adult. Your TSI scores were good enough to get into college without having to take any additional prep class, but that doesn’t make the decision any easier, does it?
Your friends, teachers, and family members can indeed help you make an informed decision but you will be the person who ultimately has to invest 4 years in order to obtain a degree.
Keep your mind open and try your best to make an informed decision. Don’t limit yourself to simply reading a brochure, be proactive, and pay the potential college of your dreams a visit. Organize things carefully and do whatever you can in order to turn your visit into something extremely productive.