Before You Move In: A College Guide

I know that from day one my dad was very gung ho about looking at colleges and everything they all had to offer. We went on campus tours, visited the Hillels (a Jewish organization on college campuses for students), looked at dorms, spent time in the Student Unions, etc; we even toured the colleges within the universities (i.e. "The College of Journalism", "The College of Business", etc.) However, I still felt like, now being a student at the college I eventually chose, that we still missed some thing in the "interview" process. Here's a list I've compiled that could help any high school junior or senior looking at potential colleges:

• Tour all the colleges at the university you're looking at, not just the one you're interested in. You never know what may happen and it's very likely you'll end up switching majors and you don't really get a second chance at introductions when it comes to colleges.
• Always get eat on campus to get a better feel for student and campus life- and what type of food you'll be eating for the next four years!
• Get involved! This isn't just something you should take seriously as a student, but as a future student as well. Try to take part in something you would as an attending student, such as attending a football game or a service by an on campus religious group or go to an event open to the public that is put on by a student-run organization. Doing this will help you better visualize yourself attending that school and if you would enjoy your life there or not.
• Talk to people that go there, whether it's someone you know or a friend of a friend, get their insight! Especially talk to people that are involved in things you would like to be involved in or were involved in the same clubs that you were in high school; this way they can tell you things you might not even know exist on campus that you may enjoy and their take on the school you're considering.

I hope these tips helped lie a more constructed path for the confusing road to choosing colleges. It can be scary taking the steps to your next life event, but it's a fun time to come once you have made those scary decisions! You just have to jump!