Nothing can replace a college visit in helping a student determine if a particular school is a good match. High school students seem to have a sixth sense when it comes to college visits – most know almost immediately if they like, or don’t like, a particular college.

As you’re planning your trips for this summer, consider these five tips on what not to do while on a college visit.

1) Don’t let your parent ask all the questions. Sure, your parents may be paying for some or all of your education, but you’re the one attending. Take an active role in asking questions – and be sure to ask the same question at each college so that you can compare them. Even if you’re shy, now is the time to become assertive.

2) Don’t wait until the end of your full tour to take notes. We suggest taking notes in a small notebook or on a smart phone so that you can remember each college visit. If you can, take notes while sitting in on an info session, or during lunch after your tour. Waiting until after you’ve seen four colleges in four days will make it difficult to differentiate one from the next.

3) Don’t make an unofficial visit. It’s okay to visit a college without signing in for an info session and tour if you’re a sophomore, but if you’re a junior or rising senior, it’s very important to let the college know you’ve visited. The smaller the college, the more admissions officers will want to see that you’ve demonstrated interest, but even large universities often track this information.

4) Don’t just hang out in the admissions office. It’s a good idea to get out there and see the campus, not just on the tour, but on your own, too. Sit in on a few classes for a few minutes each, eat in a dining hall, stop random students on campus and ask them questions – campuses are open to visitors, so take advantage of it!

5) Don’t pass up the opportunity to interview. Many colleges offer interviews to prospective students. Call ahead to learn the specific details at each. Interviewing is the best way to connect directly with the admissions office and talk about your interests in the college. If interviews are evaluative, colleges will take them into consideration when making admissions decisions.

Enjoy your visits – take pictures, take notes, ask questions. Though college admissions can be a stressful process, get the most out of your visits. You’ll end up at one of these colleges and spend the next four years there!

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