Be sure to visit potential college choices and ask about class sizes and see if you can actually arrange a class seating. Many colleges offer overnight stays/tours and encourage potential undergrads to sit through a lecture. It will be harder to schedule individual tours with public universities. They usually offer very general tours for all admitted students after you have been accepted and before you make your final choice on which college you will be attending. Private colleges are more willing to arrange personal tours with you. You can find more information on the school’s website or call the administrative offices for more information and they can connect you to the tour directors.
Be sure to ask your high school counselor for tours as well. Many high schools coordinate weekend getaways, where you visit five or even ten colleges in three days. Private organizations and tutors also offer similar college visits. You can always take a family vacation or trip to see schools. Plus, this way, you will get to see just the schools that you are really interested in and won’t waste time with the others.
On these tours, you will be able to see what the dorms are like, how long of a walk it is to the school’s library or gym, and explore other hidden perks that aren’t listen on the school’s website, like where the nearest Starbucks is or if there is a Denny’s around the corner. Many high school students start college not knowing how huge some campuses can get. For example, NYU does not have a formal school campus. Some of the classes and buildings are on the other side of town.
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