Making the Most of

your College VisitHow to make your visits worthwhile

Nathan TurnerAssociate Director of Admissions & Campus EventsRobert Morris University

Prior to Visiting• Do your Research…• Academic Offerings• Athletic Opportunities (NCAA, club, or intramural)• Student Life (Clubs/Organizations)

• Research the School’s website• Virtual Tour

• Develop Important Questions• Cost• Accreditations• Internships• Job Placement

When to Visit• Begin early – Junior year• Be sure to get an excuse for school • Plan college visits around vacations• Tag along with older siblings

• Avoid bad weather• If visiting in the Summer, plan a follow-up visit during the

school year

Where to Visit• Be Diverse• Visit Big, Small, and Medium Sized Schools• Public vs. Private• Urban, Suburban, and Rural Locations• Expose yourself to various types of schools to help

determine the best fit for you.

Scheduling a Visit• Call ahead to set up your visit• If available, set up a meeting with a professor or sit in on

a class• Ask for an itinerary, parking information, and directions

(if needed)

College Tour• Identify the tour guide…• Current Student, Coach, Staff Member

• ASK QUESTIONS!!• Eat/Sleep/Play• What is around the campus? • Off campus fun• Internships/Employment Opportunities • How do students get around?

College Tour• Take notice of the atmosphere • Do you feel comfortable? Safe?• Are students, faculty, and staff friendly?

• Weekend Visits• What are the happenings around campus?

Following the TourThree Options:• One on One with an Admissions Counselor• Group Presentation• Tour only – No information session provided

* Indicative of School

Optional Items• Ask if you are able to eat on campus.• You will be eating here potentially for the next four years

• Ask for contact information • Coaches• Professors• Club Advisors

Interviews• Not all Schools Require/Recommend Interviews• On-campus or Regional Representative• Come prepared• Prepare answers to common interview questions• Be on Time, Dress Professionally, Ask Questions• What do you bring to the their Institution? • Focus on Qualities not Achievements

Post Visit• TAKE NOTES!!• Visiting more than one school, they will begin to blend

together• Also, take pictures or videos while on tour to help compare

multiple schools at later dates. • “Trust your Gut”

• Ask Further Questions• Revisit top choices at a later date

Selecting a College is like Dating• You will see some great and not so great schools. • Remember the features you love and those you hate.• When you find the “right one” it will have a large

majority of the features you want. • Listen to the advice of friends and family

Questions

Nathan TurnerAssociate Director of Admissions & Campus Events

Robert Morris University