Michaela Stewart, from Averill Park, N.Y., is a government major, an admissions tour guide and a writing center tutor.  She is president of the Student Alumni Association, is a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority, and is vice president of the Panhellenic Executive Council. “A campus visit helps you determine if you can see yourself there.”

By Michaela Stewart ’08

Times have changed since your parents began their college searches years ago.  With new technology, especially the Internet, colleges are continually updating their information for prospective students.  But you may not be able to tell what sets each college apart just by looking online or flipping through a brochure, especially if the colleges have similar characteristics.  The only way to know how each college is distinctive is by visiting each campus.

A campus visit lets you really get a feel for what each college is like.  I found during my college search that I usually left a campus with a different feeling than I had imagined I would have, based on my research.  The colleges’ publications are designed to catch your eye and keep you intrigued, but going on a campus visit gives you the opportunity to determine if you can see yourself there. 

When visiting a campus, go on a tour if one is available.  Taking a tour will show that you have a real interest in the college.  A tour will give you the chance to speak with a student, since students are often the tour guides.  At St. Lawrence, student guides offer anecdotes and tidbits of information about the campus that are not in the brochures.  What better way to find out about student life on campus than from a student?   

How can you prepare for a campus visit? 

*First, call the admissions office at the college, tell them you are planning on visiting and you are interested in a tour.  You should also ask if the college offers interviews.  Some colleges use interviews as a factor in the application process.

*Once the date is set, ask for directions.  Take it from me: Online map search engines and other services are not always the best for giving you the best or even correct directions!

The visit day is upon you—now what?

*Never wear jeans.  You want to look your best and show the admissions people that you care about how you present yourself. 

*Wear comfortable shoes.  It’s important to look your best, but you should be able to walk around the campus during a tour (at St. Lawrence, the tour lasts approximately an hour) without getting blisters; college campuses are not designed for high heels!   

*Make sure you bring a pad of paper.  While on tour, certain things you see or hear from the tour guide may interest you.  Jotting down your thoughts and impressions will help you remember them.  After visiting several colleges, the characteristics that stood out to you on your visit may blend together with those from other colleges.  This is when you can consult your notepad. 

*Bring a camera.  Like the pad of paper, a camera will help you better remember different campuses.  (St. Lawrence provides cameras for prospective students going on a tour!)

*Last but not least, CALM DOWN!  There is a lot of hype about the college process, but ultimately it is supposed to be fun.  It’s another exciting step in your life.  If you’re relaxed, you will be able to look at each campus with a clear head, ask good questions, and find the one that suits you best – and that’s what matters most.