College visits offer a window into a student's potential future

The following story was written by a student on The Staff of The Jaguar Times as part of Hilliard Bradley High School’s Production Course.

by Lina Elmajdoubi

Students often visit lots of colleges to find the place that they can call home for the next four years. Each student looks for something different in each university they visit. Maybe it’s a specific program, or the image the school portrays, but every student is on the same journey and for some, it can be difficult to decide where to attend. 

Despite this, choosing a college can be less overwhelming if students can narrow the list of potential schools down to a few. Audrey Arthur (12) says, “It helps if it feels like it’s a second home to you. Even though you're not around your friends or people that you would normally be around, it still feels like a place where you belong and feel comfortable.” The most important factor is to feel at home because it will be your home for the next few years of your life. 

Ryder Williams (12) says, “Going on college tours helped me understand the vibe of the area. Of course, tours give you information about the college and all that, but what was most helpful to me was to see what the current students were doing and talking to the kids I was touring with to see if this was a place I can see myself living surrounded by these kinds of people.” Seeing if you can spend the next 4 years in this new place should be one of the top priorities because you will have to form connections and make friends with these people. 

Mr. Woodford, college counselor, gives tips on what to look for when visiting a college. He suggests asking yourself the following questions: “Do you see faculty engaging with students? Do you see students engaging with each other on campus, study groups, or just hanging out? ّWith the test optional, you may want to know ‘what is your data for kids who have applied and have gotten in? What are your placement rates?’”

If you visit a college, always be prepared and have a few questions written down. Imagine if you can see yourself walking on that campus everyday. Can you see yourself sleeping in that dorm?

My biggest advice as a Junior who should have gone on at least four college tours this year is to pick a few schools and visit. There is nothing to lose. Plus, there is a possibility of falling in love with a major or school that you have never expected or thought of. It’s all about getting out of your comfort zone and finding your passion. It is okay to switch or major or transfer colleges and even not use your degree because so many people don’t end up using it. Also, don’t choose to go to a school that doesn’t fit your morals, the image it portrays, or one that you find no personal connection with. Take your time in choosing your path because it will mean so much later on. Don’t let your friends and parents pressure you, because it could result in making a decision that will cost you your happiness.