Choosing the right college is a huge decision that can shape your future. But with so many options, how do you know which schools should be on your radar? The key to narrowing down your list of potential colleges is to carefully assess which schools will meet your academic, personal, and financial needs. A college visit is one of the best ways to decide if a school is truly the right fit for you. These are my favorite tips to help you build a solid checklist to guide your college visits so you can find the perfect school for the next four years!
What do you want in a school?
Before you start booking college visits, it’s important to define your priorities. What are the most important factors for you in a college? Think about location (near or far from home), the major you’re interested in, and the size of the campus. By defining your priorities early on, you’ll have a better understanding of what to look for during your visits and what kind of schools to target.
Start your research.
Once you’ve identified your priorities, it’s time to start researching schools that meet your criteria. This is where the internet becomes your best friend. College websites, online rankings, virtual tours, and student reviews can all provide valuable insight into a school’s academic offerings, campus culture, and overall vibe.
Visit Schools That Match Your Priorities
Once you have your list of schools that meet your criteria, it’s time to visit them! Visiting campuses is an essential part of the decision-making process because it allows you to get a real feel for the school’s atmosphere and environment. Read my tips to plan the perfect visit!
Where will you be living?
While campus visits are crucial, it’s also important to get a sense of the surrounding neighborhood or city. What’s the area like outside of the college bubble? Are there restaurants, shops, and parks within walking distance? If you’re attending a college in a big city, consider factors like transportation options and overall city vibe. Visiting nearby areas gives you a fuller picture of what it would be like to live in that location for four years.
Consider the Financial Fit
During your visits, it’s important to keep your financial situation in mind. Even if a school is everything you want academically and socially, it may not be a realistic option if it’s too expensive. Before visiting, make sure you understand the school’s cost of attendance and the financial aid or scholarship opportunities available. While you’re on campus, ask about financial aid options and any merit-based scholarships or grants that could help offset costs.
You Know Yourself
After visiting each school, take a moment to reflect on how you felt during the visit. Did you feel welcomed? Did the campus feel like a place where you could thrive? College is about more than just academics—it’s about finding a community that feels like home.
Trusting your instincts is key to choosing the school that will be the best fit for you. If something feels off, it’s okay to remove a school from your list. Conversely, if a school feels like it checks all the boxes and you feel excited about the possibility of attending, that’s a strong sign that it might be the right fit.
The college visit process is a crucial step in deciding which schools should make it onto your final list. By the end of your visits, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision on where to apply—and where you’ll likely thrive. Happy college hunting!
More about Jodi and College Financial Aid Advisors
Jodi is a FAFSA financial advisor who helps with the financial aid process to help families of college students maximize their financial aid. From completing the FAFSA and completing the CSS Profile to reviewing the SAR, responding to requests for verification, comparing financial aid offers and understanding student loan options, Jodi is a fantastic resource when it comes to student financial aid. Schedule a 15 Minute Power Chat to learn more about finding ways to pay for college.