Is your child ready to start going to college visits? While it is important for the school to make a good first impression, it is important for your student to be prepared when they go. Let's walk through those College Visit Day questions and learn what is the most important about this exciting day.
Oh the college visit day! Not only does your child get to go visit a college they have been dreaming about their whole lives, but they typically get to miss a day of high school to go visit this college. It is a win-win!
There is a lot of material to cover about college visit day, from the college point of view and from yours. Let's talk about the College Visit Day and how to prepare for that big day.
What is a college visit day?
For starters, let's explain what a college visit day is. A college visit day is when students come to the college or university campus to learn more about it and see the grounds. The visit can be short and simple with a campus tour, or it can be an all day event with lunch, meetings and interviews.
The visit day is usually held during the school year so the potential student can visit the campus when the most activity is taking place so they can get a feel for the environment. A visit is also usually held on a weekday.
What to expect
As mentioned above, a few different types of visits can happen. Please note, you can always take your student to the school to look around on the campus. That is open all time, to walk the grounds and just get a feel for the campus. Your student can also schedule a time to take a tour of the campus. That is usually done by a current student.
A lot of colleges and universities also have certain days where students can sign up to come and it is a full day event. When we went, we got to see our child's prospective major building as well as go into the National Weather Center in Norman.
The schedule is usually very planned out which is nice for this pen on paper/scheduled gal. Some events are for parents and the prospective students and some events are just for parents or just for the students. Sometime students will have the chance to go talk to an advisor or interview for a scholarship.
Lunch
Enjoy your lunch time because it is usually a catered event or at the very least, not the standard cafeteria food colleges usually have. At one of the visits we had, we were able to enjoy a sit down lunch with delicious food. Of course, you are not required to attend the lunch but it is a great time to fellowship with others.
Make memories
Enjoy this day with your child! When our daughter wanted to go visit a college in a neighboring state, my husband couldn't attend, so my daughter and I went. We had over eight hours of driving (both ways) together and we laughed and enjoyed each other's company.
On the way there, it POURED rain! Absolutely poured! The way to this college was odd as well. GPS had us going all backroads (which was the fastest way) but we were on gravel roads, in the dark, in pouring rain. We hoped we were heading the right way because we had no clue and it was pitch black turning by a field of cows. Then the rain stopped and we were almost there. However, a family of deer decided to stop short at running into our van. It was full of adventures and fun. And we loved every minute of it!
A few tips
- If your child is going for a scholarship, be sure to have them dress the part. It is important to make a good impression.
- Be on time if it is a scheduled day. They just might start without you if there are certain meetings that must take place at a certain time. These events are well oiled machines so don't keep people waiting.
- Take pictures. Ask questions. Don't be afraid to meet people or ask to visit certain dorms or buildings. All of your requests may not be able to be granted and it is best to send an email ahead of time and ask. It doesn't hurt to ask!
- Follow the list of questions to ask.
- Enjoy the day! Enjoy the time with your soon to be college student. Look at everything through their eyes. Remember to give your advice, but allow your child to see if this is the best fit for them. Try to let your student lead.
Enjoy this opportunity to go to different colleges with your child. It is a special time that can result in amazing memories for you and your child! Ask the college visit day questions and leave full of knowledge and memories.
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