Call ahead
Confirm college tour times and visit/interview policies, but don't commit to any dates yet. Note weekend hours and dates when the admissions office will be closed.

Book your travel first
If your schedule is flexible, choose dates that aren't high season-you'll save money and avoid the crowds. For trip planning assistance, including hotel and travel discounts, call us at 800-775-9469 or check out our travel desk.

Allow enough time
Make sure to spend at least a half-day at each school you're interested in. You simply can't do a visit justice in any less time.

Create an itinerary
Budgeting your time is critical. You can make the most of your visit by creating a plan before you arrive. Determine the location of the schools, including travel time and distance between campuses. It's important to build in enough time to explore the Pittsburgh region. In the end, experiencing what's off campus is as important as the campus tour.

Plan something special
Remember to leave time for fun! Take in a ball game. See the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Have dinner in the Strip District. Make your reservations well in advance to avoid missing out on a great time.

Remain objective
While "good vibes" are important, too often a school is chosen based on a single event or meeting that left a huge impression during the visit.

Do an interview
Even if it's optional, set one up. It's an opportunity for you to interview the school. Relax, be yourself, and come with a list of questions. Book ahead, because walk-ins are rarely available... and don't be late.

Get lost
Venture to where the real action is. Talk to students. Attend a class. Eat in the cafeteria. If possible, lose your parents for an hour. Only then will you get a true sense of the personality and people you'll be learning with for the next several years.


Take good notes
Write your thoughts down while the experience is still fresh in your mind. Document the positives, negatives, similarities and differences between visit experiences. Check out our online report card for some ideas of what kind of information to capture on your visit.

Study the region
Half of your education will happen outside of the classroom and off-campus. If
you're planning to do community service or a professional internship, Pittsburgh offers many diverse opportunities to augment classroom study and build a resume.

Be realistic
Seek comfort, not perfection. Before you leave, take one last glance around and ask yourself: "Do I feel comfortable here?" In the end, isn't that the most important question?


To find out more about the educational opportunities in Pittsburgh check out the Pittsburgh Council Higher Education at www.pchepa.org.