I visited UCF a couple of times before I was accepted and it helped me to get a sense if it was a good fit for me. I came across these tips when I was looking at old papers and I wanted to see if these tips helped me, even when I didn’t consciously think about them.
1. Talk to a student
I did not have any contacts for current UCF students when I was in high school, but I did know of alumni and some word-of-mouth testimonies from my extended family. It helped a little that my aunt had worked at UCF years before I had began at UCF so she knew her way around campus. But like the article suggests, I made sure to ask questions to my tour guide and soak up as much info as I could. I’m not sure if UCF has a program where prospective students can meet with current students, but check to see if other colleges have them. Or if you’re bold enough, chat to a random student while on your visit.
2. Ask questions
Yes yes yes. Before you go there, make a list of anything that you’d like to know about life on campus. Think dorms, food options, your interests, anything at all! I did this on a small scale but having a game plan of what I wanted to find out helped me to decide if I fit in at my college. Dream schools are just that until you get to know them more, just like dating.
3. Walk through the campus by yourself
This was such a lifesaver for me. When I visited with my parents, I was able to see students in their natural habitats, doing what they would usually do in the spring semester. It was a more genuine feel for the campus atmosphere without a tour guide, just like the article suggested. I never realized that until now.
4. Explore the town
I didn’t have to worry about this for UCF since I grew up in the Orlando area. But definitely if I had gone to Stetson University (my third choice) I would need to explore DeLand before I said, “this is where I could see myself living for the next four years.”
5. Take notes
When I tell you I have notebooks and folders full of old brochures and handouts from my past college visits and fairs, I am not kidding. Writing down how I felt in the moment and what I thought about the college helped me remember what schools stuck out to me when it came to college app time. It also helped me narrow down my choices.
I hope some of these tips helped you, a friend, or a family member make the most out of your college visit and decision process. There will always be a perfect fit for you so don’t stop until you find your dream school!
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