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Include Academic Departments on College Visit Itinerary

About to go on your first college visit? Schedule a campus tour – it’s a great way to get a general overview of the school. But after the tour is over, personalize your campus visit by scheduling a meeting with the department of your academic major. If you are still in the process of deciding on your major, you may need to schedule meetings with several departments. These department visits are excellent ways to get answers to your specific questions, many of which are beyond the scope of your student tour guide.

Let’s say you’re planning to major in environmental engineering. Which would you rather see? The large lecture hall your tour guide will show you on the way to the campus library? Or the engineering lab where you’ll run experiments with hydraulic systems? Do you want to sit in on a general education class called “Introduction to Sociology”? Or does “Introduction to Groundwater Hydrology” sound a lot more interesting? Yes? Then calling ahead to arrange a department visit is a must.

When considering a college, it’s important to assess the school’s academic environment and the educational requirements for your field of study. During a department visit, you’ll have the opportunity to meet with an academic program representative and/or a professor who teaches the courses related to your program or major. You’ll gain deeper insight into the learning environment and professors who teach at the college. This will be a big help when it’s time to whittle down your list of potential colleges to apply to.

Before the Department Visit:

1. Do your research. Go to the department’s home page to learn about the faculty, department specializations, course requirements and descriptions, etc. Read about the department’s philosophy and position statement. The better informed you are prior to your visit, the better prepared you’ll be to ask good questions.
2. Pick a few possible dates, so you’ll have several alternatives to offer when scheduling your department visit. Call the department directly, at least two weeks ahead of time, to set up a tour and a meeting with the department chairperson and/or a professor. In addition, ask if you can sit in on a class in your field of study and meet with a student in the program. If any or all of these arrangements should be made through the admissions office instead, department staff will advise you accordingly.
3. Develop your list of questions. What do you want to know in order to make an informed decision about whether this school is a good fit for you? Here are some suggested questions from which to choose. You may want to add your own
   • Overall Program and Requirements
     • What makes this program/major stand apart from similar programs at other schools?
     • What are the key characteristics/attributes of students who have done well in this program/major? Students who have not done well?
     • Is there a specific grade point average (GPA) required for acceptance into this program/major?
     • Are students required to maintain a specific GPA to remain in the program? What percentage of students is not able to achieve it?
     • Are there any special requirements that students must complete in this program (e.g., field placements, internships, practicum experiences, etc.)? What assistance is available to find these placements? (Example: Are students majoring in education required to find their own student teaching placement?)
     • Are research opportunities available to undergraduate students? Can you share an example of a research project in which undergraduate students were involved?
     • I am interested in a career in (xxx) and I plan to major in (xxx). Do you have any recommendations for a double major? Minor? Interdisciplinary major?
   • Classes and Instructors
     • Will I be able to take a class in my major during my freshman year?
     • What is the typical class size for courses within this program or major? Faculty/student ratio?
     • How do you evaluate your students academically? Can you share a syllabus and/or a sample reading from one of your classes?
     • What percentage of classes in this program or major is taught by professors, adjunct instructors, and teaching assistants?
     • Do students in this program/major have any difficulty getting into required classes and/or building an academic plan to ensure graduation in four years? How often are classes cancelled for insufficient enrollment? Is the cancelled class substituted with another that prepares me for future coursework in my major while meeting graduating requirements?
   • Supports for Student Success
     • Are there any specific programs or services available in this department to support academic success? (Example: Southern Illinois University offers a Summer Bridge Program for incoming freshman who will major in engineering. The program is designed to help students prepare for the rigors of the engineering curriculum while providing an early transition into college life. It includes an intensive pre-calculus review course and an engineering science preview course.)
     • Are professors in this department required to keep scheduled office hours to provide extra help for students as well as academic and/or career advising?
     • Will I work with an academic advisor or a faculty advisor in developing my academic plan? How is my advisor assigned to me? How many times will I meet with him/her during my freshman year? How many times during my four years here?
     • Are there specific campus organizations or professional associations related to my field of study that you would recommend I join?
   • Outcomes
     • What percentage of students in this department/program/major graduate in four years?
     • What types of jobs do students typically get after graduating from this program?
     • What percentage of students is employed in a full-time position related to this field of study within six months of graduation?
     • How does this department stay connected to employers/employment trends to ensure that course content is current? What are the most important skills students in this program should acquire, according to employers?
     • What percentage of students graduating from this program goes on to graduate or professional school? What schools do they attend?

During the Visit:

1. While in the department, take note of the environment. Is the staff welcoming and helpful? Look at the bulletin boards. Pick up materials the department has developed. They offer a glimpse into the department’s character and culture.
2. After meeting with the department chair and/or professor, write down your thoughts. What did you find most impressive about your discussion? What are your concerns? What questions do you still have?
3. While sitting in on a class, write down your observations. What is the quality of the instruction? Is there good rapport between the professor and the students? Does the professor allow time for questions and discussion?

After the Visit:

1. Write a thank you letter (not email) to the department chair and/or professor(s) you met on your visit.
2. Take time to reflect on your experience. What did you like or not like? What are the pros and cons of the curriculum of the major or the department’s approach? Divide a sheet of paper into two columns, marking one at the top with a “+” and the other with a “-“. Review your answers to your questions and write the plusses and minuses in the appropriate columns. Tag any questions you still have at the bottom of the page, and follow up within a week to get those answers.
3. Feel your stress level decrease! With these more detailed looks at your intended departments at each school you are considering for applications, you will be able to make a more informed and confident decision. And you’ll be looking forward to getting involved as soon as you arrive on campus.

Remember, you want a college that offers you the right fit in terms of campus life and academic success! Assess your overall impressions and ask yourself a very important question: “Is this the college for me… socially and academically?” After all, your college days may become some of your most memorable. When looking back on them, it’s doubtful you’ll remember the name of the lively guide who led your campus tour. Instead, you’ll remember campus life, the lifelong friendships you’ve made, and the excellent instructors and professors who taught you so much and prepared you for your career.