How will I know If a School is Really for Me?

Food

Websites with College Data

Find out how many dining halls there are. Eat at a dining hall while on campus. Ask if students typically eat on or off campus. Is there options available close to campus.

Websites with College Data

Here are a few of the websites I like that provide College data.

Data Driven Sites:

College Navigator

College InSight

Student Feedback Sites:

Cappex

Niche

Clubs

Websites with College Data

Career Services

All schools have tons of clubs. Go to the club websites and find out if the clubs are active. How many students are typically accepted into the club annually? How exclusive are the clubs? Do they require interviews and exams for acceptance?

Career Services

Does the school hold career fairs? How many students typically find internships/job opportunities through the career services.

Dorm Life

Career Services

Greek Life

What is the process for selecting a freshman roommate? Is housing guranteed for all 4 years? What is the average cost of off-campus housing?

Greek Life

Career Services

Greek Life

How many students on campus are in Greek Life? Is the social life centered around Greek Life?

Things to Ask on the College Visit

The College Visit is your chance to get to know the college/university. Here are our suggestions to maximize your visit:

Schedule your visit for when school is in session.
If possible, schedule a meeting with an admissions counselor during your visit.
Try to meet with someone from Financial Aid to discuss the various types of aid.
Sign up for a tour. Some colleges have tours geared towards specific schools/programs within the college/university.
Take lots of notes about everything you see and experience. This will be important since some colleges ask supplemental questions about why you want to attend their school. Being able to provide specific examples will convey your interest and enthusiasm.
Make sure to see a Freshman dorm.
Eat on campus - either in the cafeteria or at an on-campus eatery since this is where you will be eating for the next 4 years!
Ask if the tour qualifies you for an application fee waiver.
For those schools with campus buses, ride the bus around campus.
Visit the information session for the specific school or program you are interested in pursuing.
Ask questions of your tour guide such as clubs, social life, access to professors, access to internships, etc.