At this time of year, colleges and universities across the county are opening their doors for visits from potential students. With a little preparation, a future college student can maximize each visit, get answers to the most burning questions, and in the end, make a careful decision about which school will be the best fit.

Most of today’s students start their search for a college or university by wading through websites on the Internet. Although college officials agree that is a good place to start, they emphasize the importance of making an actual visit to the top choices whenever feasible.

N.C. Wesleyan encourages all potential students to contact the admissions office to learn about the school and plan a visit the campus. Walking across the grounds, peeking into a classroom, sitting in the lobby of a dorm, and talking with faculty and current students can be very effective in helping a student determine if the school is the right place to pursue a degree.

The N.C. Wesleyan Admissions Office has some advice for making the most of a visit to any college.

Although, the admissions office is always ready to welcome visitors and provide tours, setting an appointment allows college personnel to tailor a visit to an individual’s specific needs.

If parents or other significant family members are going to be involved in the final decision, it is helpful to include them in these visits.

With advance notice, the college can schedule meetings with instructors and classroom time in the student’s area of interest and degree focus. Athletes can visit the sports facilities, watch a practice or meet with a coach. Student ambassadors can be ready to introduce the social side of college life with information about clubs, organizations and student activities. Financial aid personnel can be prepared to discuss scholarships, work-study opportunities and other support programs that can make college more affordable.

N.C. Wesleyan has a team of admissions counselors ready to assist the traditional student coming right out of high school, those transferring from another college or the adult pursuing a degree a little later in life. The counselors have the background and training to help students determine if this college is going to meet their needs. And once the decision is made, counselors can assist with the admissions process and procedures for securing financial resources that may be needed.

In addition to the personal visits, N.C. Wesleyan College offers several Open House events for prospective students each year. The next Open House is set for April 6. Beginning at 9 a.m., college-bound high school students, as well as college students considering a transfer, are invited to explore the campus and learn about the admissions process. The program will end at 1 p.m.

Parents and other significant family members are welcome to attend.

Advance registration for the N.C. Wesleyan College Open House and information about the college can be found online at www.ncwc.edu/admissions or by calling 800-488-NCWC (6292).

The campus is located at 3400 N. Wesleyan Boulevard in Rocky Mount.