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how important do you think it is to visit college campuses?

I'm going to be a senior next year. I haven't visited any colleges yet. to me, the academics is more important that what the college looks like and stuff. I haven't even decided what I want to do yet. I will probably finish deciding like on august 20ish and then try to form a list of colleges i'm going to apply to. and then I might just visit a few of those and thats it..but it won't come until school starts maybe...

Public Comments

1. I would suggest you visit every single college that you get excepted to. I was dead set on going to Purdue and when i visited I just knew It wasn't right and I made my decision on where to go way easier Trust me you will know when you visit you will know if its the right place for you.
2. I agree that the academics are important, but so is the way the school makes you feel. My cousin narrowed her choice down to 2 great schools, but when she visited one of them she did not feel at ease or comfortable. The next school she went to look at made her face light up, and as a junior there she still loves it just as much. Go to a campus, and see if it gives you that feeling, and just brings a smile to your face. As corny as it sounds, it is important.
3. Well, you may love the program but maybe you won't like the place. Maybe you won't feel comfortable. i would suggest you visit all the colleges that you get accepted to just to take a look. It's different when you're actually there. See if you can sit in during a class, notice student behavior, check out a dorm, look at the library, labs, or other facilities. The most important thing is trusting your gut instinct. If you feel comfortable, safe and you feel like its a good fit, then go for it! Good luck!
4. Yes, it is important to visit the schools that you get accepted to. The way the campus looks is not important, but the way it is laid out will affect your everyday life when you are there. For example, if the campus is spread out, you will have to allow more time between classes to travel from one place to another. Or, like at my school, the campus might be very hilly making it hard to bike around campus. There may also be safety concerns that you need to be aware of, too (is the campus well lit? is there a shuttle to and from the parking lot? etc) Walking around different schools will give you a great idea of how well you will fit in there. At one of the schools I visited, the students walking around were talking about midterms and studying, while at another school they were talking about partying and what classes they were failing. I wouldn't have known the priorities of the students if I hadn't over heard their conversations.