Your college search

Choosing a college where you’ll spend the next two or four years can be overwhelming. Summer is a great time to make college visits and tours with your family, since you can plan a travel route and visit several colleges during a short period of time. Campus tours are usually available during school breaks and can be scheduled through the college admissions office. Create a checklist of what factors are especially important to you (estimated costs, financial aid, academic programs, location) and review the website of each college before you visit. That way, you can focus on the qualities that make each college interesting to you. Keep a checklist of questions so you can be sure to ask the same ones during each college visit. While you should be prepared to ask questions of the college admissions staff, also be sure

to ask questions of your student tour guide to get the student point-of-view.

The admissions link on each college’s website should answer most of your questions, since you’ll need to know about all admissions requirements including deadlines, standardized test requirements and any documentation that’s required for admission.

Your academic choices and achievements will shape your future. You’ll want to review the course offerings in the printed or online catalog and ask about the faculty when you visit. You’ll want to ask when you must declare a major. Some students know right away what their major will be, but others may wish to wait before deciding.

Ask the college admissions advisor about how many former students completed their associate or bachelor’s degree on time. Also ask if career placement assistance will be offered as you approach graduation and how many graduates successfully gain employment in their chosen field.

If any of your prospective colleges are far from home, consider how you will travel to and from campus and the cost. Short distances can be made by car, but those further from home may require bus, train or air travel.

Going on college visits and tours can be fun, but the time and expense of attending college make it very important to choose your college wisely. A little research and preparation goes a long way.