Your Guide to Visiting Colleges
By: 
Pam Pillo, executive director of undergraduate admissions at Sacred Heart University, 203-365-7560, pillop@sacredheart.edu
Everything you need to know about starting your college search
Prospective student events provide you with the opportunity to learn more about the admissions process, academic programming, faculty, administration, student life, athletics and extracurricular activities. It allows you to connect with the university and provides personal insight to whether an institution is the right fit.
What interests you?
Before your visit, I recommend that you browse the institution’s website to begin to understand its offerings and features. Check out academic programs, community service, clubs, performing arts and sports or recreation. Ask yourself: What do you want to do during your time in college?
Be sure to complete an inquiry form on the undergraduate admissions page and register for an admissions tour or event. This will enable the schools you are interested in to keep you informed of offerings and information based on your desired interests.
Tours
While you are browsing the school’s website, I encourage you to view virtual tour offerings. This fall, due to COVID-19 precautions, many prospective students will utilize virtual tours in lieu of campus visits. Virtual tours are beneficial regardless. They provide you with a clear view of campus. Virtual tours often showcase common areas, classrooms, residential halls, recreational facilities and much more. You may identify aspects of a virtual tour that you want to see in person.
When you arrive for your campus visit, take full advantage of the experience. Introduce yourself to the admissions staff. There may be an opportunity to schedule an in-person interview with your admissions counselor or book a virtual or regional interview as a follow-up. Sacred Heart University recommends an interview as part of the application process. Interviews not only help counselors learn more about you, your passions and goals, but also allow for a one-on-one conversation to help you gain additional insight or clarification to questions.
When you arrive for your campus visit, take full advantage of the experience. Introduce yourself to the admissions staff. There may be an opportunity to schedule an in-person interview with your admissions counselor or book a virtual or regional interview as a follow-up.
When to visit and what to do
Fall is a nice time to visit campuses because they are in session with current students who are actively engaged. During your visit, ask questions of campus representatives, including faculty and staff. I recommend asking the same questions for each institution you visit to develop a clear comparison.
Keep a notebook or record of the colleges you visit. Take pictures as you walk around campus. As you refer back to the photos, you’ll recall why the images resonate with you. Always try to talk to a current student. Remember, current students were recently searching for the right college fit just like you!
At the conclusion of your visit, you’ll want to determine the answer to the following question: Can you see yourself there? If so, visit the bookstore. You’ll get to know the institution’s slogans, mascots, mottos and colors. You may even want to get a head start on purchasing some dorm room décor or clothing.