As my oldest child prepares for college applications this fall, my mind is swirling with all things related to higher education. Witnessing friends send their kids off, many for the first time, adds to this whirlwind of thoughts. It’s a delicate balance between savoring these moments and gearing up for what lies ahead. For those embarking on this journey, it’s crucial to grasp the significance of the college visit.
Step 1: The Quiet Before the Chaos
Your teenager agrees to check out a few colleges on a date you’ve meticulously chosen, considering schedules, taking a day off work, arranging childcare for siblings, and even setting dinner in the crockpot. For a brief moment, you feel a surge of excitement—your child seems to care about their future and understands the value of planning!
Step 2: The Reality Check
The day before the visit, you remind your child about the early departure. “What?!” they exclaim. “Tomorrow? But I have plans with friends/sleeping in/playing video games [insert any preferred teen activity]!” They begin to question why this visit is necessary and whether they can simply apply without seeing the campuses.
Step 3: The Reality of the Ride
You hope for a heartfelt conversation during the drive, but instead, your child is glued to their phone, dozing off, and giving you the silent treatment. This is their way of expressing displeasure for having to participate in this outing.
Step 4: The Tour Experience
Prepare yourself for an awkward information session followed by a campus tour. You may find yourself surrounded by a group of equally disinterested teens, all wishing they were anywhere but there. Each child is nervous, fearing their parents might embarrass them with questions about the place they might call home for four years. Whatever you do, avoid asking questions about the school or stepping too close to the tour guide—it’s just plain embarrassing.
Step 5: The Rush to Leave
The tour wraps up around 1 p.m., and you’ll want to be in the car and headed home by 1:02 p.m. Forget about bathroom breaks, grabbing a drink, or exploring parts of the campus you missed. Your child might be an aspiring athlete, but you won’t have time to check out the gym. Bypass introducing yourself to the regional admissions officer and skip the local lunch spot; a quick stop at the drive-thru on the highway will suffice. You can always grab a pricey sweatshirt from the campus bookstore—who doesn’t love a souvenir?
Step 6: The Reflection
The five-hour drive home is an ideal opportunity for contemplation and deep discussion about the college experience:
You: “So, what did you think of the campus?”
Child: (grunts)
You: “Did you enjoy the visit?”
Child: “Meh.”
You: “Are you considering applying?”
Child: “Maybe.”
You: “Just think about it.”
Child: “Actually, the part about comfort puppies and hot chocolate carts during finals was pretty cool.”
Step 7: The Recovery Phase
Expect to need a good three days to recuperate from this one-day excursion. You might feel exasperated by your commitment to your child’s future against their apparent indifference. Your back will ache from the long car ride, and you’ll feel bloated from fast food. Returning home, you’ll face the mess left in your absence while contemplating your child’s readiness to leave home and find their ideal school. Brace yourself for at least ten more of these visits over the next year.
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Summary
Navigating college visits can be a challenging yet rewarding experience for both parents and teens. From the initial excitement to the inevitable pushback from your child, this guide humorously outlines the ups and downs of the college tour process. Ultimately, it emphasizes the importance of communication and reflection as families embark on this significant journey together.