While beginning to think about college, where to go, and what to do, planning college visits can be a start to it all. Seeing what is really involved, getting the true feeling of a college campus, and learning along the way, can help to move the process along. 

     There is an abundant amount of steps taken in the process to college involving students, parents, guidance counselors, tour guides, and many others. 

     Anyone can visit the guidance office for assistance. Mr.Johnstone says, “Make an appointment with your counselor to discuss college planning.  We can assist you through the whole process.  Counselors can also meet with both you and your parent/guardian throughout the college process.”

    Another parent and teacher at North Harford High School, Mrs. Larissa Arist,  has a son that is a senior this year states, “I wouldn’t say it’s stressful, [it’s]more exciting to explore different colleges.”

    Math teacher and parent of senior,  Mrs. Shelly Sparks also talks about what to think about when looking into colleges.  “Think about the size of the school that you want (large, middle or small size), the type of environment you want to be in (urban, suburban, or rural), and the focus of the school (private, public, parochial, etc.) . 

        Artist also hints at starting early as she states, “Start early!  The summer before your senior year is a great time to visit some campus just to get a feel for whether you prefer big or small.  Then, explore their websites.”

     As a junior and a senior “you receive three college visit days that are lawful,” according to Johnstone.

      Before going to look at schools in person, a lot of the time there are online orientation options. “Online orientation tours to determine if the school really could be a good fit for you,” says Sparks. After doing this, then looking at the schools in person is an option. 

    Lina Goetz, who recently graduated in 2021, and is currently at Frostburg State University this year, says that, “going to visit is so important cause you really get to see what it will be like going to that school and just get the whole feel.” She adds that it’s important to ask about the majors you are interested in when touring and making sure what you are interested in is a strong program at the school.

     Sparks says to, “make a spreadsheet of the prices, locations, feelings about the school, specialty offerings (academic, athletic, social, etc.), applications deadlines, scholarship opportunities, pros and cons.  Update it constantly so you will have an easy way to compare and contrast the options.” This will help to keep it all organized in efforts to try and make the process easier.

        Johnstone’s biggest piece of advice involving college tours is, “please don’t wait until the last minute.  This process takes time and planning and cannot be done in one night.  See your counselor early!”

     It is so important to take everything into consideration to make sure it is all a fit and that college will be something to love.