How to Choose Your Dream College
When it comes time to narrow down your list of college campuses, the best recommendation is to plan a campus visit. At this time, you will see first-hand, how you might fit into campus life at each school you are considering. There are several things to take into consideration when touring the college campus and this section will tell you how to size-up a college campus.
Campus Tours
Campus tours are highly recommended because you get a first-hand look at each university. However, on a grander scope, you also get to gauge the overall campus environment which is important to better understand the reality of day-to-day life on campus. Pay attention to the student guide’s demeanor, as well as the attitudes of faculty and staff. For example, if your guide is passionate and uplifting, you may get the immediate sense he or she loves sharing facts about the college campus being toured. On the other hand, if you get a rushed, unenthusiastic tour, you might get a negative impression of the campus. Continually keep details in mind as you tour the campus. Gut instinct will help serve as a solid guide when it comes to final college selection.
Student, Faculty and Staff Attitude
As you tour the college setting, pay attention to the demeanor of those who surround you. Note details such as attire, attitudes and style: Is everyone sporting the latest fad hair style? Do students seem to border on the outlandish side with makeup and body art? Are there a lot of college sorority and fraternity jackets and logos, etc? If you can see yourself interacting with the students you see on a daily basis, it might be a great place to attend. Alternatively, if you are intimidated, uncomfortable and skeptical, maybe the campus is too large or just not a good fit.
Key Campus Stops
College campus tours include noteworthy information and walk-throughs of several key buildings. Keep track of these campus buildings with regard to maintenance, safety, foot-traffic, lighting and spaciousness. After all, you may find yourself on the campus shortly, enrolling, purchasing textbooks, studying and living.
- Admissions Office: This office, sometimes also known as the visitor’s center, will be a key meeting point for your college tour. Try to arrive early so you can review college literature, student information bulletin boards, yearbooks and the college student newspaper. This will be a good preview to college life on that campus.
- Main Library and School-specific Libraries: Depending on the size of the campus, many colleges have multiple libraries for student use in addition to the main library, which is usually the largest, most centrally-located building on campus. (This is also a good time to scout out a place to call your study home base).
- College Bookstore: Many larger universities have multiple bookstores spread out across campus to assist students with their college textbooks and supplies. The main college bookstore, however, is usually housed in the same building as the Student Union for the sake of student convenience. While touring the bookstore, evaluate the staff. Pay attention to the following: How does the staff treat students? Are attendants willing to answer student questions and assist with purchases?
- Student Union: The student union is the place where you may frequently find yourself between classes or as a meeting point for activities. Unions often have media areas with televisions and school newspapers; convenience shops for quick snacking between classes; dining halls; formal restaurants, as well as ballroom facilities for college events. See if the student union has ample seating and lighting, for study breaks. Gauge the people seated and walking around you. Feel at home in this setting? If so, keep the college on your list.
- College Dorms: When visiting places you might soon call home, keep your eyes open. Notice the overall condition of the facilities. Are they clean and well-lit? Is the paint peeling or the walls cracked? Is it quiet or noisy? Is the dorm kept at a comfortable temperature? Do the premises look secure? Do bulletin boards contain helpful advice and beneficial notices for students?
- Campus Health Center: The location of the campus’s health center is of extreme importance. Is it centrally located on campus, or will it be a hike in case of emergency? Is a doctor always on call? What are the operating hours? Does the center often refer students to a nearby hospital?
- Recreation/Fitness Centers: Keeping your mental and physical fitness in check will be important in college. Make sure the university has a well-maintained facility for student exercise and recreation. Tour the locker room facilities to assure cleanliness. Also, make note of facilities and amenities such as indoor/outdoor swimming pools, sauna, whirlpools, out-dated fitness equipment and basketball and volleyball courts. If fitness is important to you, choose a college that invests in quality facilities and equipment for student health and well-being.
Take your Own Tour
Campus tours are great, but they leave little time for personal questions and information gathering. So, when the formal tour is complete, take a tour on your own or with your parents. This is an ideal time to have lunch or dinner at a campus dining hall. After all, it’s important to see what the options are for a typical student meal. Afterward, you might want to check out the stadiums and field house to see what attending collegiate sporting events might be like. Last but not least, make sure you visit the school where you will attend the majority of your classes and ultimately earn your degree.
Take Notes
It might sound a little bit over-the-top and scholarly, but carry a small pocket notebook. As you discover each campus, jot down notes and observations regarding the pros and cons of the university setting. If there’s a major drawback, you may want to immediately take that particular college or university off your list. However, when it comes down to making a major decision between two colleges, you might have to take your notes into consideration to make the final cut. That, or wait for your financial aid package to help make the ultimate decision.