With no school work to worry about and more free time on your hands, summer is a great time to plan your college visits. At the college campus too, university staff have a lighter load during the summer so you can expect to get a more personalized tour. Having a proper plan in place will help you make the most of your summer college tours.
Choose your dates
If you have a choice, plan your summer college tours on a weekday so you get the opportunity to attend a class in session (yes, there are still summer classes). Avoid campus visits on weekends, holiday breaks and during the exams.
Check out campus tour dates and create an itinerary
This is especially important if you are planning on fitting in multiple college visits during the summer. If you can string a couple of visits together in one trip, even better—you can more easily compare and contrast the schools on your list that way.
Call the colleges and schedule appointments
Once you have your dates sorted out, it’s time to start getting in touch with the colleges you are planning on visiting and schedule appointments for speaking with professors, coaches, the admissions office or any other faculty member that you would like to interview.
Get permission to stay overnight in a dorm room
Many colleges allow prospective students to stay overnight in the dorm but you will need to get permission in advance so that the necessary arrangements can be made. Colleges rarely allow overnight stays without prior permission.
Make your travel plans
Are you going to drive to the college or will you be traveling by plane or train? Where will you be staying? Starting making your travel and hotel arrangements as soon as you have confirmed your visit dates so that there are no last-minute hitches.
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