Why is summer the perfect time to visit colleges?

Summer is the perfect time to visit colleges.

You might be asking: why would I spend my summer free time visiting a college?

Well, here are three reasons why:

1. Visit early to explore your options

Visiting colleges during the summer before your junior or senior year gives you a head start. You'll begin to understand what matters most to you about a college, whether that's class size, campus culture, academic programs, study abroad opportunities or extracurricular activities.

The more campuses you see, the easier it becomes to compare and find the right fit.

2. Make more personalized connections

Summer visits can feel more relaxed. Families can ask more questions, spend more time with admissions counselors and take in campus without the rush of a busy academic day.

Want to know more about financial aid, athletics or the arts, campus jobs, housing or majors? Summer visits provide more time for those conversations and help you get answers tailored to your interests.

3. Take your time

One of the biggest advantages of visiting during the summer is flexibility. You don't have to worry about missing classes, tests or extracurricular activities.

Instead, you can focus on exploring campus, imagining yourself as a student and getting a sense of whether the college feels like home.

And don't forget to explore the surrounding community. After all, you'll spend time both on and off campus as a college student.

We may be a little biased, but the Quad Cities along the Mississippi River offers plenty of summer activities, restaurants and local attractions. Turn your visit into a day trip—or even a weekend!

Plan your visit

The college search process starts earlier than you think, and a campus visit is one of the best ways to find out what you're looking for.

Augustana College's Summer Visit Days are June 22, June 29, July 13, July 20 and July 27. We hope to see you on campus this summer!