As you look ahead to life after high school, visiting college campuses can give you an idea of what community you are looking for. Here are some tips and tricks as you navigate the discernment process and make the most of your visit to various college campuses.
Organize your visits regionally
To make the most of your limited time, it’s important to adequately plan your visits. Explore nearby schools to get a feel for different campus styles. For example, when at Notre Dame, you have the opportunity to explore our tri-campus community by also visiting Saint Mary’s College and Holy Cross College.
Schedule official visits
While speaking with students on campus can help provide a full picture of student life, in order to receive the most up-to-date information on admissions and financial aid, it is important to schedule official college tours. Universities may have college-specific sessions, like Notre Dame's College Overviews, so look out for those focused opportunities. Plan your visit to Notre Dame and join us for an information session and tour, as well as a college overview session.
Contact your admissions counselor ahead of time
Colleges have regional admissions officers who have more insight into the landscape and context of your school. Reach out to them at least a week in advance to ask personalized questions or schedule a time to speak with them (this is best scheduled after you complete your information session and tour). You can always follow up with questions after your visit via email, too.
Connect with current students
Sometimes there’s an inside scoop—there’s no better way to learn than to connect with fellow students. It may be intimidating to reach out to random students, so check with counselors or friends for recommendations of alumni from your school. Current students may have favorite campus spots that don’t make the official list (like the couches in Remick Commons).
Are you the first from your high school to consider Notre Dame? Feel free to email interns.admissions@nd.edu to ask questions of our current students. We always have interns working on campus whom you can chat with, too!
Hit the hot spots!
Every school has landmarks and attractions that are must-visits. Don’t be afraid to act like a tourist. We would love for you to visit the Grotto, walk the lakes, take a picture in front of the Golden Dome, and explore the Raclin-Murphy Museum of Art, among other great campus locations. Embed fun into your itinerary, and don’t be afraid to check out one of the on-campus or nearby local eateries.
These are some of the most important to-dos if you are only visiting a college for a few hours. Plan ahead and be prepared. We hope you'll visit Notre Dame soon, and we can’t wait to see you at the Golden Dome!
Kayla Seepersad is an admissions counselor with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.