Well it is that time of year again for you to start thinking about those college visits. There are a ton of schools for you to choose from. But beforehand, make sure that you have thought about and made some decisions as to the kind of career you would like to work in. Consider choosing 2-3 careers, and then you can research the degrees that are provided from schools of choice in order for you to fulfill that career dream. It’s okay to change your major. As my friend Andrew says, changing your degree can be a good thing!

Focus on YOU and find what you enjoy. There are a ton of articles written right here from The Career Closet that will aid you in an easy and personal way of making the right choice for the rest of your life. Check out the links below that I have specifically chosen to help you make your career choice. Then as you visit these colleges and universities, you will know what to look for, and the visit will be more interesting to you.

Visiting a college is supposed to be fun. Of course right? Make these trips a worthwhile one and don’t just have fun. Make it working fun trip. Whether it’s a day or over night, make the most out of it. You don;t have to spend hours on campus either. If it’s just one building, then go visit it. Get a feel for it.

You can’t make a rational decision if you don’t visit.

Make the Most of Your Trip

Here are things you shouldn’t miss while visiting a college. Take a look at this list before planning campus trips to make sure that you allow enough time on each campus to get a sense of what the school—and the life of its students—is really like.

• Let guidance office know you’re going on a college visit. They usually give you 2 or 3 days if you’re a HS Senior
• Take a campus tour of the facilities and grounds
• If you know what you are majoring in, contact that department to schedule time to visit, or just go there and tour the building
• Schedule an interview with an admissions officer
• Get business cards and names of people you meet for future contacts. Bring a note-book to make notes
• Visit the financial aid office and pick up financial aid forms or any necessary financial aid information. You won’t need to apply for financial aid at this point, but whatever financing information that school has is good to collect
• Check on any and all scholarships available
• Participate in a group information session at the admissions office if there is one
• Sit in on a class of a subject that interests you
• Talk to a professor in your chosen major or in a subject that interests you
• Talk to coaches of sports in which you might participate
• Visit the student union or activities office to find out about extracurricular opportunities you can participate in
• Spend the night in a dorm or with someone you know to get the social life aspect
• Read the student newspaper
• Try to find other student publications—department newsletters, alternative newspapers, literary reviews that is distributed throughout the campus or buildings
• Scan bulletin boards to see what day-to-day student life is like
• Eat in the cafeteria
• Ask students why they chose the college
• Wander around the campus by yourself
• Ask students what they hate about the college
• Ask students what they like about the college
• Browse the college bookstore
• Walk or drive around the community surrounding the campus
• Ask students what they do on weekends
• Listen to the college’s radio station
• Imagine yourself attending this college for four years

This is a pretty exhaustive list, but I may have missed something so let me know if you think of anything that you’d like to share. Be sure to visit these schools with an open mind. Yes you want to attend the same school as your friends, but you have to think about yourself and where you are going to get the best education possible. You will still have fun and college will prove to the best years of your life.

Below are links to some of my most visited articles regarding career development and choice:

WHEN IT COMES TO COLLEGE AND CAREERS, OPEN UP THE BOX

PART 2: THE GIFT…YOUR GIFT
PERSONALITY vs. CAREER: A GREAT MATCH!

WHAT IS YOUR CAREER COLOR?    GO TO COLLEGE WITH THAT!

IS YOUR CAREER A GOOD FIT?

THE FINAL STEP IN YOUR CAREER CHOICE: VISITING THE O.O.H.

Your Success is My Success,

Keith Lipke

I’m a careers and college recruiter, coach, public speaker and leader at The Career Closet. His passion is to educate, inspire, and give hope to young people who need it upon their search for the right career and college

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