By Kevin Agee
With college campuses bustling again, now is the perfect time to visit some of the colleges and universities you have been researching. If you walk on a college campus this fall, you will be able to feel the pulse of the true collegiate experience. Classes are in session, fall sports are in full swing, and students are involved in a number of diverse activities.
High school student-athletes have the opportunity to take an unlimited amount of unofficial visits. Any visit which is not paid for by the college or university is considered an unofficial visit. Familiarize yourself with this terminology and incorporate it into your dialogue with college coaches. You should begin to schedule unofficial visits as early as freshman year. Visiting campuses early and often provides student-athletes with an opportunity to learn about different types of collegiate environments. Do not limit your visits to one type of college or university. Exposure to various types of campuses (big, small, urban, rural, Division I, II, III and NAIA, for example) will prepare you for when you ultimately have to narrow down your list of preferences.
Take advantage of the NCSA College Search Map and research colleges/universities in your own backyard. Contact the basketball coach to set up a meeting. College coaches are usually very accommodating and are eager to speak with interested student-athletes and their parents. If a coach has yet to see you play in person, try to provide them with some video prior to your visit. Be certain to include a meeting with a member of the Admissions Department to learn about financial aid, academic majors, application deadlines and requirements. They can also arrange for you to take a campus tour. Fall open houses are also a great way to get the most out your college visit. Look for information on the college’s website for dates and times.
By taking unofficial visits early and often, you will acquire enough knowledge to find the perfect fit for your collegiate career. You will also improve your high school experience as you work towards your goals and stay on course to achieve your college dream. Enjoy your visits!
