Despite all the work that you have done researching colleges, the best indicator of which college will be right for you will be your college visits. In addition to considering academic programming, the availability of support, and the other critical factors that we have outlined, it is important that you get a sense of the campus life at the schools on your list. Remember, this is the place where you plan to spend the next four years.

We suggest that you begin planning college visits in the spring of your junior year and complete as
many as feasible during the summer recess.  It is also possible for you to plan visits during the fall of
your senior year, but you will want to limit the number of visits during the fall to allow yourself plenty
of time to complete applications and keep up with your senior coursework.

How do I make an appointment?
Make a calendar of dates in advance—a rough plan for the visits you plan to make.
Call the admission offices of the schools you plan to visit, requesting specific dates for visits.
Plan weekday visits.  It is great to see the campus when it is active.
Schedule a meeting with support personnel in order to discover what services are available.
If you are interested in a specific program, athletics, music, drama, etc.), schedule meetings
with appropriate personnel in advance whenever possible.

What should I do on campus?
Take a campus tour and attend a group information session.
Interview with an admissions counselor if appropriate.
Ask admissions to make arrangements for you to sit in on a class or two.
Talk to students as well as admission officers.  Spend an overnight in the dorm if possible.

Tips
*Eat in the dining common.
*Check out the activities on the bulletin boards, walls, and utility poles.
*Read the school newspaper.
*Ask students what they like and dislike about the college.
*Drive around the surrounding area of the campus.
*Ask students what they do on weekends.

QUESTION: Are college visits considered an excused absence?
Usually. However, a visit to one college in Florida should not take two weeks.