As an independent college consultant, I’m asked all the time my opinion on the best time to visit a college campus. My usual answer is, “Whenever you can.” There are pros and cons to visiting a campus at every time of year. But some of my favorite visits have been in the middle of the winter–especially on campuses where the weather can be quite cold. On a recent visit to Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, I took a few moments to explain why wintertime can be the best time to visit a university.
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Transcript
I’m here now on the campus of Lawrence University up in Appleton, Wisconsin. You know a lot of people ask me, “What is the best time to visit a college campus? Is it summer time? Is it spring break, fall break?” Actually, I think probably the best time to visit Appleton, Wisconsin is in the winter because it’s really cold. And it will give you a better sense of what the campus life is really like while students are here on the campus and in session.
Despite the cold this is a really, really vibrant, active place. You see students walking across campus. They’re not afraid of the cold; they’re dressed for the cold. Okay, maybe a few of them are wearing, you know, a little bit too skimpy outfits, they’re parents might be, you know, a little bit upset. But they all deal with the weather.
So, one of the best times to come visit a college campus is when students are in session, and wintertime can be great. Especially in these cold places, you’ll get a better sense of what really happens here.
Mark Montgomery
Expert Educational Consultant
