What are some of the most important things to do when touring the campus of a prospective college?

Question

Soon I will be going for a visit to an out of state university that I am very seriously considering attending. I just want some pointers as to what I should expect, questions I should ask, and things I should ask to see.

I would like to sit in on a class and tour the dorms, but what are some other things I should consider that I might not think of on my own?

All answers are welcome, but answers from students of parents of students, especially those who attended out of state schools, are most appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Here are some things that I suggest you do/visit while visiting the school:

1. Visit and talk to the advisor for your major. They can have a lot of information about class size, different instructors, prerequisites.
2. Visit a dorm. See which ones have dining halls attached and how they determine how you pay for meals (per amount you eat, set fee for each meal, etc.). Are there co-ed dorms or single sex only?
3. Visit the student activities center or student union. Talk to someone about what kinds of activities are offered. You might also ask what kinds of clubs are available.
4. Visit the financial aid office. Talk to someone about what your options are for financial aid.
5. Prior to visiting: Call the admissions office. Ask if there are any programs where a current student can take you on a tour and answer questions. I was involved in the HOST program at my school where a prospective student visits me and stays with me in my dorm for 1 night. I took her on a tour, answered questions, etc.

Questions to think about:
1. Can you have a car? How will you get around (bus, walk, bike)?
2. What are the class sizes? Do you prefer large or small classes?
3. What is the lighting like at night? What services are available if you have to walk alone at night (if you're female).
4. What kind of employment services do they have to help you get a job when you graduate?
5. What is their graduation rate and what percentage of those get a job within 3 months?
6. Are there tutoring services or assistance for people with academic problems?
7. Are there counseling services that students can use for free? This is important esp. if you're far from home and need a counselor to talk to.

Answer 2

1) Could you live there for 4 years? Look at the dorms and realize you may have to live with someone in a little box, but what are the conditions of the buildings? Do they have many bugs?

2) How to get mail? Does it go to your dorm room or the union?

3) What problems have occured with the President/Provost/Deans/etc? Have there been many problems?

4) Talk to students--what annoys the crap out of them about this place?

5) What majors/activities/clubs do they have available on campus?

6) When can you live off campus and is there much of an option?

7) Do you have a "Free Meal" allowence? What meals do they have available or can you use your meal plan in the snack bar?

8) Talk to students about the food. No food is great, but some are worse than others. Check the salad bar to see how stocked it was.

9) Look at the frats/sororities, even if you don't want to be involved. How many are on campus/off campus?

10) How many academic and non-athletic activity scholarships are handed out each year? How many athletic scholarships?

11) Can you work on campus? Talk to the career ladies--trust me. Talk to them. Ask them if they go from the FAFSA and whether it's given to need-based students. I was told that I could work on campus, but when I was a student there I was told I couldn't.

12) What does internet/cable cost? What can you not bring to the dorms wtih you?

Answer 3

One of the things that we discovered when we toured with my son was that some of the professors actually do not teach the classes. They are taught by the TA and the professor never shows up. So ask if your are getting the learning experience that you are paying for.

Since you are a girl, and I say this with all seriousness, ask what is the percent of attacks physical and sexual on the girls on the campus and is the rate going up or down.

Answer 4

the surrounding area, look at the town and if you will like it, also remember : as well as the classes you will be attending, teachers, your location from home, as you will miss it maybe, and costs costs costs, of living, dorms, food and the locations and such of Laundry, food, and other comforts. Most of all if you could see yourself there and what it is going to do for you!

Answer 5

think about if you really can handle living out of state, its much different when you are out on your own away from your parents, friends, etc...ask students what they do for fun...where people hang out...i would talk to jr's and sr's..you will find out more about the school by talking to the people that have been there the longest..

Answer 6

Check out the girls!