Hi, Reader!

If you're anything like me, you're planning your spring and summer breaks right about now. So here's a friendly reminder: These vacations are a prime opportunity to dive into some college visits. Trust me, it's worth it! (How do I know? My daughter ended up attending a university that wasn't initially on her radar -- but we just happened to stop and take a tour because we were in the area.

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​Why Spring and Summer Breaks for College Visits?

Touring campuses over breaks offers a great opportunity to explore colleges while you're not bogged down with classes and exams. Plus, if you're visiting in the spring, the campuses are (hopefully) buzzing with activity, giving you a real taste of college life.

To help you make the most of your college visits, here are 10 tips:

1. Plan Ahead: Research the colleges you want to visit and schedule your tours in advance. Slots fill up fast during breaks! Make the most of the tours available to you -- some might include sitting in on classes, eating at the dining hall, and meeting with professors. Take advantage of each of those opportunities.
2. Be Open-Minded: Explore a variety of colleges, including those that may not be your top choice initially. You might be surprised by what you find. Make sure you explore public/private schools, colleges located nearby and far away, and even big/small schools. Sometimes you don't know what you really want until you're right in the thick of it.
3. Take Notes: Bring a notebook or use your phone to jot down important details about each campus. Trust me, you'll appreciate these notes later when making decisions. (Bonus hint: If the school has a "Why Us" essay when it comes to admissions, you might be able to use some of that information in your essay.)
4. Ask Questions: Don't be shy! Ask your tour guide and admissions staff about anything and everything that's on your mind. They're there to help. So consider the academic, social, extracurricular, and other questions you have. Wonder if there's a club that goes skiing on the weekends or how students get to the nearest airport? Totally valid questions that could support the decision you make.
5. Picture Yourself: Imagine yourself as a student there. Do you see yourself fitting in? Trust your gut feelings. (But also see tip 2.)
6. Explore Beyond the Tour: Take some time to wander around the campus on your own. Check out the student center, library, and dorms to get a feel for daily life. Check out the dining halls and the snack bars. The gym. The laundry facilities. If you're considering spending four years here, you might as well explore it all while you're there.
7. Talk to Students: If you can, chat with current students. They'll give you the inside scoop on what it's really like to attend that college. (True story: While we were on a tour with my son, several students would pass us by and said, "Don't come here!" Not the reaction we were hoping for from other students, but it did make my son dig a little deeper to see if this was the right fit.)
8. Check Out the Surrounding Area: What's the town or city like? Is it a place where you can see yourself living for the next few years? Drive (or walk) a few miles in every direction from campus. Does it have the amenities you want? Can you get around (and home) easily if needed?
9. Attend Info Sessions: If there are extra info sessions or workshops available besides the usual campus tour, attend them. You'll learn valuable insights about the application process and campus resources.
10. Reflect: After each visit, take a moment to reflect on your experience. What did you like? What didn't you like? This will help you narrow down your choices (and maybe discover some other, similar schools that could be a good fit). If you have questions afterward, be sure to follow up with your admission officer. Some schools track demonstrated interest, so showing you have a genuine interest in (and curiosity about) the school could give your application an advantage when the time comes.

Remember, spring and summer breaks aren't just about fun in the sun (although that's important, too!). It's also an excellent time to take steps toward your future. So, embrace the opportunity and enjoy exploring these exciting possibilities!

Wishing you all a great spring ahead!

Happy Writing!

Julia

julia@essay-coach.com | ​Schedule a Consult | View My Resources | Become an Affiliate​

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