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Best time for campus visits is upon us

October 2nd, 2017

October is now upon us and it’s the perfect time of the year for campus visits. Leaves are changing and the air is crisp!

Not only are school grounds typically beautiful at this time of the year, but students are now comfortable with their new surroundings and schedules. Visit schools on your list during a normal week if at all possible, rather than on a weekend or during finals week. This will provide great opportunity to see what college or boarding school life is all about and give you a chance to interact with faculty and students.

Before going on a campus visit, I encourage you to be prepared to ask a lot of questions so you can learn as much as possible. Provided below is a link to a thorough list of questions to consider when going to view a school or college for the first time. Many of you have this campus visit guide already; although it’s written for the college search, it’s equally valid for boarding school exploration.

Indiana University mobile pocket guide>>

But wait, there’s more! Whether you are applying to college or boarding school, the article posted below is another wonderful resource. Although written for boarding school families, some of the advice can benefit families looking at colleges, too.

Article referenced below from The Boarding School Review

Many parents feel that they know a boarding school because they have spent time on its web site. They ‘liked’ the school’s Facebook page and are following it on Twitter. They also have watched all the YouTube videos the school has posted on its YouTube channel. They and their child are convinced that the school is a good fit for them and their requirements. So why bother actually hopping on a plane, renting a car, booking accommodation and taking all that time to go and visit the school? It goes without saying that you need to visit any school to which you are thinking of sending your child. The school will insist on it because they want to meet you in person whenever possible.

Your educational consultant may have given the schools glowing reports. Your great uncle has always spoken about his years at one of the schools on your short list with great fondness. In fact he has given generously to his alma mater. One of your colleagues in the Boston office has a daughter at another school on your short list. She apparently loves her school’s equestrian program. But that’s their opinion. You and your child need to set foot on each campus on your short list, scope each one out and use your own judgement about whether your child will be happy there for three or four years. Here is a list of things to look for and questions to ask.

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