Why Documentation Matters

Don’t trust your memory! After visiting multiple campuses, details start to blur. That picturesque quad… was it at Dartmouth or Williams? The amazing student center… Berkeley or UCLA? Thorough documentation is your best friend for making informed college decisions. If you don’t have a preferred note-taking system, you can use this handy sheet, either electronically or by printing it out and writing on it the old-fashioned way.

Download the note sheet

What to Document During Your Visit

Campus Environment

• Architecture and building conditions
• Distance between facilities
• Study spaces and social areas
• Dorm rooms and living conditions
• Dining facilities
• Athletic and recreational facilities

Academic Atmosphere

• Classroom sizes and conditions
• Library resources
• Lab facilities
• Study spaces
• Technology availability
• Department-specific facilities

Student Life

• Student center atmosphere
• Club meeting spaces
• Social gathering spots
• Campus safety features
• Transportation options
• Local town/city accessibility

Personal Impressions

• Overall campus vibe
• Student interaction observations
• Faculty engagement
• Comfort level on campus
• Could you picture yourself here?

Practical Details

• Visit date
• Tour guide name
• Key staff contacts
• Unique programs mentioned
• Application deadlines
• Financial aid notes

Pro Tips

• Take photos of information boards and building names
• Record quick voice notes between locations
• Write down immediate impressions while they’re fresh
• Create a consistent rating system across all visits
• Document weather conditions (they affect campus atmosphere)
• Note both positives AND negatives

Remember: The goal isn’t just to collect information, but to create a reliable reference for one of your biggest life decisions.