Red Flags to Watch for When Visiting Colleges as a Prospective Student

The prospect of attending college can be both exhilarating and daunting. During campus visits, it's crucial to look out for certain red flags that can help you make a more informed decision. Here are some important indicators to consider.

Administrative and Support Office Issues

One area to scrutinize closely is the administrative, financial aid, and counseling offices. Pay attention to the following signs:

Complaints from students about unfilled requests, repeat requests, lost forms, rapid employee turnover, or unavailable counselors. Long phone holding times or calls being placed on hold. Seemingly unstable or unstable security measures.

While campuses are often staged to impress new students and their parents, the reality can be vastly different. Financial aid offices that ask for the same paperwork multiple times, or suspending funding due to poor follow-up can be indicative of hidden issues. Similarly, scheduling an appointment with a counselor that leads to being placed on hold or not being able to contact someone can be red flags.

Student Safety Concerns

A common sense but critical aspect during a campus visit is the student safety. A tour guide sidestepping or ignoring questions regarding student safety is a significant red flag. Pay close attention to the responses given to questions about emergency procedures, security measures, and safety guidelines.

Residential Life and Political Bias

Discussion on residential life can sometimes be awkward, especially when it appears one-sided. Be wary of tours where political signs are merely displayed without providing a balanced perspective. Also, if there is a prevalent display of posters depicting events that do not align with reality, this can be a sign of a biased viewpoint.

Lack of Educational Focus

If your student tour guide advises strongly against attending the college, it's crucial to listen to why. However, a more important sign to look out for is when they try to impress you with non-essential aspects. For example, if the college's marketing emphasizes things that are not directly related to educational opportunities and networking, such as fancy facilities or superficial achievements, this can be a red flag.

Remember, the primary goal of attending college is to receive a quality education and to network with peers who share similar aspirations. If the college is commoditizing these key aspects, it's important to question their focus and commitment to student success.

Despite the allure of high-quality education, the reality is that you can get a comparable education practically anywhere with a fraction of the cost. Schools often try to differentiate themselves with aspects that are not essential. The best way to navigate this is to be discerning, focusing only on the things that truly matter.

By staying vigilant and questioning key areas of concern, you can make a more informed decision when choosing a college that aligns with your educational goals and personal values.