College Campus Visit Must Do's

A college visit is the single best way for you to evaluate a potential college and determine if it could be a good fit for you. Where do you begin? What should you do? Are there any must-see places?

Begin by scheduling your visit through the admissions office. Most colleges will allow you to schedule online. Often you will be given the opportunity to attend an information session, possibly presentations by particular departments or schools, and a campus tour.

Don't try to skip the official visit and substitute a do-it-yourself tour instead. Some colleges track "demonstrated interest" and may consider the fact that you've visited campus when making admissions decisions. Additionally, the information presented in the session will help you decide whether admission and scholarships are likely, possible, or a reach at this school.

Off-Campus Housing: How to Convince Your Parents

Many colleges have a requirement that freshmen spend their first year in the dorms. Beyond that, most universities are happy to allow their students to move into off-campus housing if they prefer. Of course, many students choose to live in the dorms the entire time. Others, however, crave a bit more freedom. If this is you and you aren't paying your own bills, you'll need to persuade your parents that it is a good idea. Easier said than done, but there are some compelling arguments for moving into your own place. Here are some of them.

Decreased Distractions

If you're to convince your parents that you should be able to move into off-campus housing, you're going to have to make arguments they will respond to. Giving them arguments about increased freedom to party and relaxed rules about having the opposite sex sleep over are unlikely to make your case.

College Campus Visit Must Do's

A college visit is the single best way for you to evaluate a potential college and determine if it could be a good fit for you. Where do you begin? What should you do? Are there any must-see places?

Begin by scheduling your visit through the admissions office. Most colleges will allow you to schedule online. Often you will be given the opportunity to attend an information session, possibly presentations by particular departments or schools, and a campus tour.

Don't try to skip the official visit and substitute a do-it-yourself tour instead. Some colleges track "demonstrated interest" and may consider the fact that you've visited campus when making admissions decisions. Additionally, the information presented in the session will help you decide whether admission and scholarships are likely, possible, or a reach at this school.