Students spend years preparing for college, especially while applying to top colleges of the world. From university-specific entrance preparation to the university essay, everything is in order. But, many students and parents alike, overlook one important step while enrolling in a college – and that is their potential college visit.
Everything looks good on paper – it’s only when you’re in the grind are you able to fathom the extent of your academia better. Visiting your potential college is so important, and we at Young Scholarz can’t stress that enough. We practise what we preach, and our teachers also visit their kids’ potential colleges to help reach a well-informed decision. As our new generation believes in the significance of vibes, it is indeed true – you can only vibe with your tribe. And, you can only find your tribe by touring through the college or university before you join them.
So, here are 5 reasons why you must must must visit your potential college:
1. Helps gain an insight into the student experience
College life does not stop at academics. Getting yourself involved in campus activities enhances your student experience in ways beyond theory. It hones not just your soft skills but also builds a sense of confidence and cognitive skills, indirectly helping you boost your grades. Research also helps prove that students who participate in extracurriculars tend to have higher GPAs compared to those who don’t.
Hence, to gain a better understanding of the university and see if it’s the right fit for you, visiting the campus is a must. for example, UT Permian Basin in Texas offers a vibrant campus life. With a range of clubs and organisations that cater to different skill sets, you get a great balance. Ranging from student government to cultural groups like Ballet Folklorico, there is something for every student’s need.
Don’t forget to assess the environment that surrounds your housing as well. Looking at transportation, how far the college is from your place of residence, how the community around you seems to be – these may seem insignificant on the onset but they do matter. Look around for areas where you can study and hang out with your peers, including cafes, libraries, and book stores.
2. Visiting the campus facilities helps gauge your interests
Having a preliminary interest in a subject can change gears in a practical setting. For example, studying biology in a textbook may seem less complex than when you’re in a lab slicing up a cockroach to study its compound eyes. Hence placing yourself in a physical setting would help widen your views over your interests. Visiting the college would directly place you into the heart of student life.
Beyond the physical environment, the buildings, grounds, and overall atmosphere, the campus visit helps you envision your routine. Visualise navigating classrooms, libraries, and student centres. This firsthand experience would help you make a decision. You must also interact with the current students, faculty, and the staff. They provide valuable insights into campus and cultural and academic life. Their personal experiences would help illuminate the college experience for you. Apart from the student experience, you get to see the campus layout, the infrastructure and the facilities they provide.
3. You can clarify the application process while visiting your potential college
A campus visit goes beyond a simple tour, providing an immersive experience that helps you shape your college journey. Apart from exploring the physical campus and interacting with the student-teacher community, you are presented with various invaluable opportunities.
The very fact that you’re physically present shows that you have a keen interest in and dedication to your academics. Attending campus events and engaging with representatives portrays that you’re full of beans, giving you a more competitive edge.
What more, you can also ask doubts and college representatives can help you demystify the application process. You would receive clear guidance on the requirements, deadlines, and also get financial aid options.
A visit in this aspect could also get you thinking whether the academic programs are aligned with your future goals. Questions like these are better answered through in-person exploration and interaction. Being not just an institution, but a community, visiting the college campus helps you determine if this is where you would thrive and grow.
4. Can better understand the eccentricities of campus life
Leaving home is both an exciting as well as daunting task. Adjusting to a new place and making that your new home is essential if you want to thrive on both an academic as well as social level. Looking around campus dorms will help you understand your comfort level and how far you’re willing to compromise on the luxuries that you were once so used to.
This is a kind of soft launch for you as well to mentally prepare how you would use your room to rest, juggling between classes and possibly an internship/part-time job as well.
Now coming to the food, it is of great importance to many young students. If the campus is not reputed for delicious food, then look up nearby places that would offer great dining options. If not, then check if you can whip up your own meals with fresh produce.
While some students would be least bothered about food, many spend quality time with peers hanging out in popular cafes and dining spots. And, good food equals good nourishment, which is key to cognitive development and abilities.
5. Interacting with the faculty can facilitate thought processes
Talking to your potential professors helps you understand how it would be to learn from them and what the coursework is about. Imagine chatting with a history enthusiast who readily dives into the past and extracts anecdotes and analogies from history. If you’re a science wizard, then you’d be eager to learn about a new cutting-edge technology that recently hit the charts.
Don’t limit yourself to just the teaching faculty, reach out to approachable students as well. They’re the ones living campus life. Find out which clubs or sports teams you’re interested in and decide accordingly. Students will spill the beans on the craziest campus traditions.
So where to begin? Hit the admissions office which doubles up as a bunch of tour guides for the university. let them know your interests in subjects for study and they can arrange for professors and students who would give inside scoops.
To Sum Up…
In essence, a college visit is an investment in your future self. It’s more than just touring buildings; it’s about immersing yourself in the college environment, understanding its culture, and determining if it aligns with your goals and aspirations. By taking the time to visit potential colleges, you’re empowering yourself to make a well-informed decision that sets the stage for a fulfilling and successful college experience. Remember, your college years are crucial to shaping your future, so choose wisely.
As we come to an end, we would like to clarify that this blog post is designed for students who can visit their potential college within and outside their country. We understand that not all students are privileged, and it may not be a practical option too, to merely visit a university before getting an acceptance letter from the institution. For students who wish to visit their potential colleges but can’t, don’t be disheartened, as we do have another blog post coming up that focuses on virtual tours of colleges. So, stay tuned…