Maximize Your College Visit

When it comes to exploring colleges and universities, you only learn so much from making phone calls and skimming brochures. To get a vivid picture of what a particular school is truly like, plan an on-campus visit. This will give you a better view of the school and its environment while allowing you to meet with an admission counselor to discuss your plans.

Keep your academic timetable in mind and plan to visit campuses as early as possible. Many high school students start visiting campuses during their junior year. This helps to keep you from scrambling around late in your senior year to "make up your mind."

Make certain that your visit provides you with the knowledge and insight you need to clearly evaluate whether or not a school meets your personal and academic needs. Keep the following in mind when arranging your visit:

1. Plan ahead. Request an appointment, arranging for an interview with an admission counselor and a campus tour. Indicate whether or not you would also like to meet with a professor or coach and note if there are particular places on campus you want to see.

2. Schedule your visit when classes are in session. Many students visit campuses during breaks. However, being on campus when students are present and classes are in session affords you the opportunity to talk with current students and sit in on classes.

3. Be prepared to answer and ask questions. While interviews give admission counselors the chance to learn more about your academic history and goals, interviews allow you to ask questions about a school's programs, costs and campus life. Prepare a list of questions beforehand so you don't forget something important you intended to ask.

Perhaps the best ways to get a dose of college life is to schedule an overnight visit. At Mercer University, we offer Mercer Overnight, your opportunity to be a Mercer student for a day. You'll meet with students, faculty and administrators, visit a class and learn about the benefits of attending a university with a more personalized atmosphere. A Mercer student will host you in the residence halls and provide you with a glimpse of student life. Before you arrive, your host will make every effort to contact you by phone in order to answer any last-minute questions. In addition, your parents may attend a separate program geared toward their needs.

Choosing the right school is a life-changing decision. Explore your possibilities by attending one of the following Mercer Overnight events this fall. For more information, contact the Office of University Admissions at (800) 840-8577 (out-of-state).