If your family’s summer plans include lots of college visits, remember: these visits aren’t just to get a feel for the campus vibe, but also to learn in-depth about the programs offered and envision your child’s future for the next four years and beyond. To truly get the most of each visit, preparation and asking the right questions are key. Read below to learn all you need to know about exploring academics and campus life.
Preparation is Key: Know Before You Go
Before you even set foot on campus:
- Define Your Criteria: Create a college criteria checklist or use our helpful College Visit Scorecard. This helps you objectively compare different schools based on what matters most to you (location, size, programs, culture, cost, etc.).
- Identify Potential Majors/Careers: Do some initial research into areas of interest. Knowing your potential major allows you to move beyond the general “nickel tour” and dig deeper during your visit. This focus prevents getting swayed solely by impressive facilities and helps you ask targeted questions.
Making the Most of the Campus Experience
While on campus, go beyond the basics:
- Schedule Official Visits: Don’t just wander around. Sign up for the official tour and information sessions to get a structured overview and ensure you see key parts of the campus.
- Visit Your Department: Make a point to visit the specific academic department(s) you’re interested in. Ask about their programs, teaching styles, and what makes them unique.
- Talk to People: If possible, schedule time to talk with a professor in your potential field of study. Ask about their research, class structure, and student opportunities. Chat with current students (perhaps your tour guide or others you encounter) about their real experiences.
- Inquire About Outcomes: Ask pointed questions about academic outcomes. What research opportunities are available for undergraduates? What internships or co-op programs does the department facilitate? How successful are graduates in finding jobs in their field?
- Consider Honors Programs: If you’re looking at a large university but prefer a smaller community feel, investigate their honors program. These often create a close-knit cohort and offer specialized academic opportunities within the larger university setting.
Digging Into the Finances: Critical Questions to Ask
Understanding the financial commitment is just as important as liking the campus. Be prepared to ask:
- What’s the Total Cost? Look beyond tuition, room, and board. Ask about mandatory fees (student activity, technology, health services), typical costs for books and supplies, and potential extra costs like lab or computer fees specific to your major. Using our FREE College Money Report tool is a great way to calculate total cost!
- What are Transportation & Living Costs?
- Will you have a car? Factor in parking permits, gas, and maintenance.
- How far is the campus from home? Consider the cost and logistics of travel for breaks or visits.
- What’s the typical cost of off-campus housing? Many students move off-campus after the first or second year, so get a sense of local rent prices for future planning.
- What’s the Financial Aid Picture?
- Merit Aid: How does the school award merit-based scholarships (based on grades, test scores, talent, leadership)? Is there a clear grid (e.g., certain GPA + SAT/ACT = specific award amount), or is it more competitive (e.g., applying for a limited number of scholarships)? Crucially, does the merit aid last for all four years, or does it expire?
- Need-Based Aid: Estimate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) using this online calculator before your visit. Ask the college: What percentage of demonstrated financial need does the school typically meet?
- How is Need Met? This is vital. When a school says they meet your need, ask how. Is it primarily through “gift aid” (grants, scholarships that don’t need repayment) or “self-help” aid (student loans, work-study)? Understand the breakdown.
- Average Debt: What is the average student loan debt for graduates from this institution? This gives insight into affordability and the generosity of their aid packages.
- What are the Graduation Rates?
- What percentage of students graduate in 4 years? What about 5 years?
- Remember, an extra year adds at least 25% to the total cost (tuition, fees, living expenses) and represents a year of lost potential income. Furthermore, many scholarships expire after 4 years, making a fifth year potentially much more expensive.
Make an Informed Decision
By preparing beforehand, engaging deeply with academic departments, and asking detailed financial questions, you can gather the comprehensive information needed to compare schools effectively. Knowing the answers to these questions before you have to make a decision empowers you to choose a college that is not only a great academic and social fit but also a sound financial investment in your future.
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Parts of this post were written with the help of Google Gemini
