When To Visit Colleges

Story and Photo by Catherine Grosdidier »

As juniors and seniors start to plan out their futures, many will take advantage of certain days throughout the year to go on college visits. Juniors are guaranteed one college visit day a semester, while seniors are guaranteed two days. Students take advantage of their visit days to go on tours of their prospective schools, meet with academic advisors, and discuss financial aid. EHS counselor Brett Misse believes that it is important for students to physically visit places where they may potentially spend the next two to four years of their lives.

“A campus visit allows an opportunity to get a sense of class size, activity and just a general feel for the mood or attitude of the place,” Misse said, “The pictures that colleges will post online or on a poster will always provide the best possible view of campus. Prospective students want to be able to see not just the best stuff, but maybe some of the other items that the school would never point out for them.”

One of the biggest concerns for students graduating high school is the affordability of college. While on visits, it is important that students get an idea of how much their prospective school costs as well as any scholarships that may be available to them through fields of studies or accomplishments in high school. U.S. News & World Report published an article in July 2017 that stated six important financial aid questions for students to ask on college visits. These questions included:

1. What does the typical financial aid award look like for freshmen?

2. What kinds of scholarships are available to students?

3. How long does it take the typical student to graduate?

4. How much do students end up borrowing?

5. What types of jobs are available for students?

Although it is important to get the proper financial information while on your visit, students want to find the best fit for their future. Both Mr. Misse and second EHS counselor Deanna Brown agree that having the major you are interested is in important, but being in a physical setting that you enjoy being in will help make the college experience worthwhile and help you excel.

“College visits are important for students to get a feel for the campus and college culture. It’s important for students to research what is important to them in a school, major, and culture,” Mrs. Brown said, “However, there are some aspects of the campus that students may best understand while actually on campus. College can be both a difficult and incredible few years in your life, ensuring you’re at a college that is a good fit for you is important.”
Both counselors also agree that taking visits early on during junior and senior year will help students make comparisons with other schools and find the right fit for them. If you are looking to schedule an upcoming college visit and have questions regarding your visit, contact either Mr. Misse or Mrs. Brown in the Career Center.