College Visitations

Importance: College visitations are a very important part of the college selection process. In addition each visit will count for PEARLS when you complete the Campus Visitation Verification Form (PEARLS).  The visit should be a family project so that both students and parents experience the campus together, first hand.  Even if this is a college that parents attended or a college where you have attended sporting events, concerts, camps or conventions, you should take an official college tour.  Do not window shop for colleges.  Do not rely on websites, catalogs, or meetings from representatives.  Don't pick a college because you like their football team, mascot or colors, because a friend is going to a particular school or your dad or aunt  or other family members are an alumnus of the school.  Family traditions are fine if you fit that pattern, but if not, your college selection could be miserable.  You are going to invest a lot of time, money, resources and you want that investment to have a return of career opportunities and a bright and promising future. Make up your own mind by an official campus visit. 

When to Visit: We recommend students official visits before the end of the Junior year while colleges are still in regular session, but if you have not followed this advice, you should complete all visits prior to November 1 of your Senior year. High school spring vacation works well as most colleges are in full session, yet you will not miss academic time making visits.  Summer session visits can be misleading, but if is the only visit you can arranged, definitely take it, but realize the best visit is going to be one during the regular term of college study.

How to Begin: Call the Office of Admissions to arrange an official visit/tour preferably while the college is in full session during the academic year.  You can find numbers from the brochures in the ZHS Guidance Center or by going on line at the ZHS College Website and taking the appropriate link.    While it is fine to go with friends, at least one parent should also go to check out the college with you.  The family experience when possible is highly recommended.

Taking the Visit: Depending the the college's visitation protocol either when you call to set up the visit or upon arrival for the visit you should share your  academic interests (career, fields of study) and other interest.  Normally the college tour will allow you to see most everything, but you want to make sure you get to see in greater detail those buildings, programs, staff, and students that match your interests. 

An example is if you plan to study pre-med ask for the science building tour, to talk to students on campus with that same major and perhaps even speak to faculty and advisors from that major.  Other points of the tour should be the dormitories, eating halls, library, computer-technology support areas, recreation facilities open to students, and any other areas of interest. At some colleges visiting students are allowed to sit in on a class in the major area of interest and possibly talk to students who are currently enrolled.

It is recommended that families meet with officials from admissions, housing, financial aid, etc. Again we suggest you ask many questions. Because you will want to compare the strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes of each college you visit, try using this handy Campus Visitation Checklist in your research.  Another helpful tool is A Pocket Guide to Choosing A College-Are You Asking the Right Questions on a College Campus Visit? This booklet is prepared from the National Survey of Student Engagement.

In summary pick the college or colleges that will help you form the future your dreams.  As stated earlier this is not the time to worry about the budget and finances.  Certainly gather facts on costs, but wait until financial aid reports are in your hands in the spring of your senior year before making the final decision based on economic realities.

Once you have a list of colleges that will meet your needs, it is time to begin the application process.

Applying To Colleges/Schools