5 Steps for a Successful College Visit

Before I lay out the 5 Steps for a Successful College Visit, I want to give you a peek into an informal campus visit that I did with my two boys at the University of Illinois.

Visiting the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign

The University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign is a public research university in Illinois and the flagship institution of the University of Illinois System.

My goal for getting them on a college campus at such a young age is to expose them to life on a college campus and to talk about what a college education can do for them. Talking about it is only have of it. They need to see it, feel it, and experience what it could be life for them.

Informal Campus Visit & Campus Life

While we did not do a formal, scheduled campus visit, I did introduce them to various buildings and what goes on in many of the buildings. We covered some brief information on services offered on campus such as academic advising and financial aid.

We also talked about various buildings that housed programs such as engineering and liberal arts. Lastly, we talked a bit about campus life and what they could expect from their free time.

Talk to People on Campus

Since, I did most of the talking and it came from my perspective, I was hoping to run into some students on campus so that the boys could chat with actual college students and ask a few questions – only there were any guys around, so the lovely ladies above talked to them and we grabbed this photo.

From my perspective, I think it is important to hear what goes on – on a day to day basis from actual students because they are living it.

Pledging Sororities and Fraternities

After leaving from them, we concluded our visit by talking about the benefits of pledging in sororities and fraternities. My mom is a Delta (Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.) and I attempted to pledge Sigma Lambda Gamma- but didn’t.

So, when I saw the lovely Deltas on campus, I explained to the ladies that I was introducing college to my boys and we were able to grab the beautiful photo below to show my mom.

As we left campus and headed to Family Fun Night, I explained to the boys the differences in class structure at the elementary level, junior high, high school, and college level. With my son getting ready to transition into junior high, it was fitting to discuss.?

Talk to Your Children About College

Believe me, it’s not too early to start the “college and/or future conversation” with your children. Honestly, I wish I was introduced a bit earlier because I could have made better plans to become that Nutritionist (Dietitian) that I really wanted to be instead of the Academic Advisor that I am.

As Academic Advisor, one thing that we do is take students on various campus visits a few times a semester to expose them to life at college. And, as a mother, I’m not going to take other children and not take my own.

So, let me tell you something. Get your kids on university campuses and let them see what it’s like and what’s going – if they plan to attend one day. Because, honestly, if your child is not a part of a college prep program (or, high school) that offers college visits, how else will they get the opportunity?

Honestly, they probably won’t unless you take them.