Don't just rely on Web sites and literature�experience campus for yourself

By Ann Bezbatchenko

You will spend countless hours in and around the school you choose to attend, so it is important to investigate the community, the opportunities, and the places you will call home for the next few years.

After narrowing the list of schools you will visit, if possible, schedule visits to colleges or universities in the same city at one time. Schools post directions to campus on their Web sites so you can plan your trip and travel time.

Schools encourage prospective students to visit their campus and make it easy for you to visit any time of year. To observe the campus in action, the best time to schedule a visit is when school is in session (mid-August to mid-May). However, there may be other opportunities to visit during the summer or for an Open House. Summer visits are usually more leisurely. Open houses or other special event days cater to prospective students. These events usually offer immediate contact with admissions counselors, coaches, professors, and current students.

No matter when you plan to visit, it is best to register for an event or contact the admissions office to notify them you will be on campus. This way you can make the most of your experience and possibly meet with an admissions counselor or current students.

Once you arrive on campus, you should take note of your surroundings. The buildings, athletic facilities, living facilities, and location may be important to you but also pay attention to the people. The people with whom you interact on a daily basis will make the strongest impact on your college happiness.

A regular campus visit usually has three parts: an information session, a campus tour, and an interview. Each part is designed to help you decide if that particular school is a �right fit� for you. Most universities give you a general perspective of the school through an information session. This session will answer questions about the student population, academic life, student life, and the admissions process. There will be time for you to ask additional questions. Most sessions are led by an admissions staff member.

Campus tours are usually guided by a current student, so it is a great time to get a student's perspective of the school. A current student will be happy to discuss what it is like to sit in a class, live on campus, or interact with faculty. He or she will also be willing to answer any questions you have.

Some schools require or encourage an interview. This is a great time to share information about yourself that may not be noted on your application. It is also a chance to express your interest in the college.

After visiting each school, it may be helpful to take notes about what you saw, who you met, what you liked, and maybe what you did not like. If you visit several campuses, your notes will help you keep schools straight and may even help you make a decision about what school is right for you.

After graduating from the University of Dayton in 2000, Ann Bezbatchenko worked as an editor for SRA/McGraw-Hill Companies. She returned to school to obtain a master's degree from The Catholic University of America, where she worked as the Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions for CUA. Ann currently works at Loyola University Chicago's Graduate School of Business as the Director of Admissions.

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