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Visiting the campus
When you plan to visit a college, call the admissions office and sign up for the official tour. It's a great way to get an overview of the campus, and you may get a student guide who will give you the "inside scoop."
But to understand what it's really like to be a student at the college, dig a little deeper. Here are some areas to explore on campus:
Is the library accessible?
Some universities don't allow students to browse the library shelves for the books and journals they need. You have to search the online catalog and put in a request for the volumes you want. That "closed stack" approach can be very stifling to research and creative thinking. Make sure the library has open stacks and periodicals available for perusing.
Are the bulletin boards interesting?
Student activities and opinions are open for view on a college's many bulletin boards. You want to see passion about political and social issues and a diversity of opinions -- college is a place to experience views that are different from your own. Take a look at the student publications, too. You'll find out what issues the students consider important. Remember, though, that opinions in publications don't always represent the student body.
Are the residence halls pleasant and safe?
Residence halls are generally small and cramped, but you should expect them to be in good repair. Ask students about security, but keep their answers in perspective.
How is the dining hall?
The food should be decent, and so should the conversation. Send your child into the dining hall to eat a meal without you. Much of what happens intellectually and socially at college happens at the dinner table.
Do people look happy?
If everyone appears stressed and depressed, that's not a good sign (unless it's finals week -- then stress is normal on any campus). Ask a student for directions, and see if you get a friendly response.
What are classes like?
Ask the admissions office for a schedule of classes you can visit. Classes should be lively with plenty of discussion, and even in lecture courses, professors should be relating well to students. Ask students if it's easy to talk to professors and get help when they need it.
Are research opportunities and up-to-date equipment available for undergrads?
The best colleges will have programs that allow students to do independent study or to work with faculty members on research projects. Science departments should have advanced equipment that undergraduates are allowed to use. Colleges vary widely in their emphasis on computers and advanced technology. Some even require students to bring their own computers to campus. Classroom instruction, your own research, and even your participation in campus life can be enhanced by access to up-to-date computer technology.
What about special interests?
If your child has a particular interest, go talk to the appropriate department. For instance, people who want to participate in a choir or theater but not major in music or drama should make sure that is possible. Even if your child is allowed to participate, will she get a part or a role when competing against the students majoring in the area? Are practice rooms open to everyone? What about athletic facilities -- are they readily available to students who aren't on the varsity athletic teams?
Even if you never made it out of the admissions office (make sure you do!), a visit to the college would be useful. You will probably be able to tell if the admissions counselors have your child's best interests in mind. For instance, are they interested in more than test scores and class rank?
Good colleges conduct their selection of students with care, and lavish attention on their students after the recruitment process, too. Ask about orientation programs for first-year students, year-round academic advising and personal counseling, career guidance from faculty, and support programs for students who are struggling. These are all measures of a college's dedication to its students.
