A highlight of junior year is the college visit — when the search gets very real. But before you gas up the car, make sure you’re focusing on the right colleges and making the most of your visits.
Follow these five steps before stepping foot on campus:
1. Consider what your student wants from college
What courses interest them? What careers are they considering? Do they hope to attend college nearby or far away? Do they prefer the city, suburbs, or countryside?
Academics and campus life are equally important. It won’t matter how great the classes are if your student is miserable in a big city. Get answers to these questions early so you head in the right direction.
2. Be realistic
A good rule of thumb for guiding your college search is determining what’s affordable. This could be a specific dollar amount or a range. Knowing what your family can afford will help you narrow down which campuses to visit.
Once you’ve settled on that number, you’ll need to compare it to actual costs. But beware! A college’s “sticker” price can be misleading — families rarely pay the full published price once financial aid is factored in.
To get a better picture of what you’ll pay, use the net price calculator on all college websites. This tool will estimate how much financial aid your student might receive and give you the actual cost of attending the school. Since the calculator works off estimates, use it as a guide.
In general, private colleges and universities list higher sticker prices but offer more financial aid. Before eliminating a college, get a good idea of your family’s actual costs.
3. Do your homework
Consumers don’t shop for a new home by just driving around. They consult with a trusted real estate agent, review property details, and browse photos and videos online — long before putting the key in the ignition. The same approach applies to college visits.
College visits can be time-consuming and expensive. Before you head out the door, do some homework to make sure you’re maximizing your time.
- Get on the admissions mailing list.
- Use tools such as College Navigator to dig through data on costs, admissions, and graduation rates for colleges across the country.
- Search for reviews from current and former students.
When an in-person visit isn’t possible, a virtual tour can be the next best thing. Many colleges now offer immersive online experiences, featuring interactive maps and videos that cover everything from residential life to academic departments and programs.
4. Look beyond the packaged tour
You’ve booked a one or two-hour tour. Now what? Plan to spend much more time on campus. This is your big chance to get a feel for campus life.
- Schedule a meeting with a department dean or other faculty.
- Sit in on a class.
- Visit common areas, like the student union and library.
- Look at small details, from the overall condition of the campus to the quality of food in the dining hall.
Some things may be more important to you than to your student. But you know it’s all important.
5. Don’t avoid money talk
While on campus, try to get some face time with the financial aid office. A representative can answer questions about school-specific aid and deadlines.
And don’t be shy! Financial aid reps help families navigate college costs every day. They’re there to help.
