A step-by-step guide to documenting and comparing your college visits.
Visiting colleges is a crucial part of the college selection process. It allows you to get a firsthand feel for the campus, academic programs, and overall environment. To enhance your college visit experience, use the College Visit Diary App alongside these steps to capture every important moment and insight.
Start by researching colleges you're interested in. Narrow down your list based on your academic and personal preferences. Check the college's website for visitation options and schedules. Many colleges offer guided tours, information sessions, and open house events.
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Create a new entry in the app before your visit to prepare and set your expectations.
Contact the college's admissions office or visit their website to schedule your visit. Be sure to book well in advance, especially during peak visitation times (typically fall and spring).
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Note the date and tour guide information in your entry for future reference.
Review the visit checklist in the app. This 27-item checklist covers important areas to explore during your visit, including campus facilities, academic programs, student life, and more.
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Print or bookmark the checklist to ensure you don't miss any important aspects during your visit.
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, but also dress neatly. You'll want to make a good impression on admissions staff and tour guides, and you'll be doing a lot of walking!
Plan to arrive at least 15-30 minutes before your scheduled tour or session. This will give you time to check-in, get oriented, and start observing the campus environment.
Use the app to capture your visit in real-time or immediately after. Here's what to record:
Take Photos & Videos
Capture campus landmarks, facilities, student life moments, and anything that stands out to you.
Rate Your Experience
Use the 5-point rating scales for campus, academics, housing, student life, and other key areas.
Complete the Checklist
Check off items as you explore different areas and ask important questions.
While your visit is fresh in your mind, add detailed notes about your experience. Include your first impressions, conversations with students or faculty, and any standout moments.
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Record voice memos if you prefer speaking to typing. Capture your emotions and gut feelings!
Once you've visited multiple colleges, use the comparison tool to view your ratings and notes side-by-side. This helps identify patterns and find your best fit.
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Create pros and cons lists for each college to help with your final decision.
Export your visit summaries as PDFs to share with family members or keep for your records. This is especially helpful when discussing college options with parents or counselors.
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Share your entries with family to help them understand your college preferences.
View all your visited colleges on an interactive map. Get directions and explore nearby attractions.
Store up to 10MB of photos and videos per entry. Relive your campus experiences anytime.
Compare 2-3 colleges side-by-side with your ratings, notes, and pros/cons lists.
Export your visit summaries as PDFs to share with family or keep for your records.
Begin your college visit journey today and make your May 1 decision with confidence.