College Visits During Spring Break

With about a week and a half of school left before spring break, many of you have already started focusing on what all you are hoping to do over break.  No matter what grade you are in and what plans you have already established for spring break, I'd like to encourage you to consider adding in at least one (if not more) college visits to your agenda.

For seniors, many colleges are in session during our break and so this is an ideal time to be able to visit the campuses of your top choices.  Being able to compare your college choices and to make sure that you are finding the school which will be your best fit before you the May 1st decision deadline is a helpful choice.  I strongly encourage you to try to sit in on at least one class to get a feel for the academic environment of the college.  You can also consider making an overnight visit at the colleges for a different opportunity that you have probably not had a chance to do thus far.

For freshmen through juniors, making college visits is a beneficial opportunity to start identifying what aspects you like most and least in a college.  You will have the chance to actually walk around on a campus and imagine yourself being there in the future.  People watch, explore opportunities, investigate academics, and engage with the admissions staff to help guide you in your future college application plans.  If you are planning to be in town, there are lots of local colleges that you can visit easily.  If you will be traveling over break, you can still make college visits wherever you find yourself during break.  Chances are good that there are colleges near or along your destination and even if it is not a school that you are considering for the future, it still gives you the chance to get another view of colleges... and this can be incredibly valuable in determining what it is you want or don't want in a school.

Also, as a reminder, students, you should be the ones arranging the visits with the admissions offices - especially if it is a college you are considering for the future.  Even if it isn't one you are thinking about, it is still good practice so once you know your family's plan, call or email the admissions office to arrange for the visit.