Tips for your College Visits

Tips for your College Visits Ahhh, campus visitsI remember the thrills and fears of picking a place to spend the next four years of my life. I was timid and shy, but also completely fascinated and excited. Now, as a college student, I have a new perspective on the whole college visit phenomenon. There are a couple things I wish I could change about my experience, but since I cant, I hope I can at least help the next group of visitors with some tips. 1. Dont spend your day on your phone! This is one of the most important tips I can provide!! The snaps you received from your friends at home can wait a few hours. Pay attention to all aspects of the presentation and tour. You might not get to come back until Move-in Day if this ends up being your school of choice. 2. Take notes! You probably dont need to write absolutely everything down, but it may be helpful to keep a list of things like ACT/SAT scores, the cost, and the admissions timeline…the basics! 3. Ask questions! It is definitely intimidating to ask a question in front of a bunch of people you have never met. However, when you get home and reflect on your visit, youll probably wish you would’ve asked. 4. Look around! Without a doubt, your tour guide will walk super fast and youll probably have no idea where youre at.  However, you should look at the campus to figure out if you can picture yourself going there. Its so important to like the style of campus. It should feel like home. 5. Buy a shirt! If you end up attending the school youre visiting, youll be glad you started your school color collection. If you don’t end up attending, that’s okay too! It’s a nice keepsake. 6. Meet with an advisor! Your advisors will get to know you better than any professor youll have. Theyre the ones who will guide you through your college experience, so its well worth your time to get to know them before you need them. The amazing thing about scheduling a visit at the University of Illinois is that there’s an option for you to meet with an advisor from the major you are intending to pursue! 7. Enjoy it! It is so easy to get caught up in all the intimidating aspects of college, but for one of the only times in your life, you have complete control over where you are going to spend the next four years. Take it in and enjoy it. Nisha Class of 2022 The first time I visited Illinois, I knew that it was the school for me! I am on the pre-med track, majoring in Psychology in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.