Starting the journey to college can be both exciting and somewhat overwhelming for high school students. One of the key steps in this process is visiting potential colleges of interest. College visits provide students with the opportunity to experience campus life firsthand, explore the community, meet professors, tour dormitories, and get a sense of the overall atmosphere. These visits are crucial for making informed decisions about where to apply and ultimately attend. Additionally, some students may wish to continue their athletic careers, which necessitates meeting with coaches and learning about their respective programs.
There are many factors students need to consider when deciding where they will spend the next four years of their lives. Whether they will be living on campus, the location, the quality of education, the cost, and whether it feels like the right fit for them are all important aspects to evaluate. Students do not want to be unhappy in a place where they will spend every day; instead, they should enjoy their experience and create lasting memories with fellow students.
While in 11th grade, MaKenna Doran recently visited Hiram University to determine if it was the right fit for her academically and athletically. I asked her what she enjoyed during her visit. She replied, “I loved being able to see what my future could look like and meeting the soccer team I might join. My favorite part of the college visit was definitely the campus tour. I enjoyed walking around campus with an instructor, learning more about what makes everything unique and how it functions. I appreciated the opportunity to see the college in person and connect with people around campus.”
Another junior examining both the academic and athletic aspects of school is Isabella Isenberg. Isenberg has visited three schools so far, with her most recent visit being to Akron. I asked her if she had learned anything from the visits she had made. Isenberg explained, “With each visit, I’m able to not only learn about the campus landscapes but also the energy and atmosphere that each college provides. This way, I know that when I make my decision, I will be at the college that feels like home!”
An environment where students feel comfortable and at home is what makes the four years enjoyable. Living and learning in a setting where one does not fit in can make it difficult to plan and achieve future goals.
Senior Lorelai Lowe visited Kent State University, where she intends to pursue a degree in political science. When asked about her primary objectives for the campus visit, she stated, “I wanted to see if the political science building was well-maintained and in good condition. It was also reassuring to see that the dorms were modern, which helped me envision how I would arrange my room.”
Later, when asked about her primary motivation for visiting a school she was interested in, Lowe emphasized, “I mainly went on the visit because it’s important to know what the school looks like before the end of the year when time becomes limited.”
These Lakeview students are excited and eager to explore universities that interest them. Doran, Lowe, and Isenberg all have valuable insights on what to consider during a campus visit. It is highly recommended that students to take the opportunity to envision what their future could look like while they still have time. No matter if students want to go to college just for academics or a sport as well, there is no harm in scheduling a visit to a school they may be interested in. The worst outcome is that it doesn’t feel right, and then they can move on to the next option.
