Rather than just doing the minimum by attending information sessions and going on a campus tour, look into the other opportunities the school offers. Robinovitz says that many colleges provide student hosts that take in high schoolers for an overnight in the dorms, and then go to class with them the next day. “Doing something like this, or even staying with a friend who might go there, gives students a much better perspective,” she says.
Whether or not a school offers overnights can usually be found on their website, according to Mark Montgomery, admissions consultant at Great College Advice. If you can’t find anything, though, the admissions office will be a big help. If that college provides hosts, the office will be able to set you up with one.
You can also reach out to any campus groups you might be interested in joining. If they’re not meeting while you’re there, ask to sit down and talk to any available group members! Additionally, you can arrange to meet with an advisor that’s specific to your major to discuss what you can do to start preparing for college. Rachel Petty, a junior at James Madison University, definitely stresses this one. “They can help you see if what they have to offer is right for you!” she says. If you’re really set on that major, you might be able to talk to a junior or senior who’s studying the same thing. There are plenty of opportunities; you just have to reach out to the college!