Sterling High School seniors are working on applications whether they are submitting them for early action or rolling admission. But all around, seniors are participating in college visits to help them decide where to apply and ultimately where to attend college after high school. 

  There are many ways seniors can make the most of their college visits. For example, the atmosphere of the college. 

  The atmosphere depends on aspects including the size of the school based on either physical size or population, and can also include clubs and sports advertised, and dining options.

  To get the best feel for the college, counselor Jeffrey Gale recommends to “go on a good weather day if possible” and to make sure to visit when students are on the campus because “a college campus will feel different when all of the students are not in attendance.”

  Whether or not seniors have been on college campus visits, it’s important to know what you care about in a college environment. 

  Senior Lindsey O’Brien, who has not yet visited colleges, knows that she would “like to know student to teacher ratios for a better learning environment.”

  Unlike this, senior Madeline Malooly has been on several college visits. She stated, “I noticed the living arrangements that were available and the atmosphere among the students at the schools I visited.”

 Seniors also need to consider the campus itself such as the eating hall environment, living accommodations, and the area around the college like the restaurants, stores, and other public places in close proximity to the college. 

  There are also many specific questions to ask at college visits to make sure you know all the information. 

  Counselor Darci Francis recommended asking questions like “What are the housing options?”  Can students have a car on campus?” and many more. 

  College is not just a school experience; it’s a living experience. While it might seem irrelevant, there is also information outside of the college campus itself that is crucial to know before applying or at least before considering admission to that college. 

  Francis mentioned ideas to consider like the cost of attending, plans for transportation, and even plans for choosing a roommate. 

  Seniors are considering significant choices for their futures. It is important to make the most out of college visits to make the right decision for personal and academic preference.