College visits allow for students to have idea on what university they want to attend

A good way for students to prepare for college is by visiting the colleges that interest them. Junior Ashley Makalous has been taking advantage of this opportunity of visiting various universities.

“Currently, I have been on seven college tours and nine college visits where I have just been observing,” Ashley said. “So far, I have visited Luther College twice, Wartburg College, Simson College, Drake University, Valparaiso University, Creighton University, New York University and I will be visiting Butler University in the spring.”

Additionally, Ashley’s dad, Kevin Makalous, feels that going on all these college tours has influenced where Ashley would want to go to college.

“I had originally thought Ashley would find a small to medium size private liberal arts school in Iowa to attend. She looked at Wartburg, Luther and Simpson and we quickly realized they were too small for her to feel comfortable attending,” Kevin said. “She then started looking at more medium sized schools in major metropolitan areas and quickly felt much more connected with the community the school was located in.” 

Ashley believed that these college visits have helped her prepare for her future.

“Visiting so many colleges I know that when I pick my school it will be my place, where I belong, and where I fit in,” Ashley said. “I’m looking for where I can see a future for myself on visits and I want to go to a college that will allow me and teach me to have a great future. 

Similarly to Ashley, Kevin also thinks that going on tours will help her decide where she will attend college.

“I think visiting several schools has allowed Ashley to have a better sense of perspective of what she’s working hard towards while still in high school,” Kevin said. “She knows the goal is to attend a great private liberal arts college. Now she can visualize that when times aren’t always easy studying for finals in high school.” 

Overall, Ashley is thankful to her parents for taking her on these tours.

“My parents have been more than what I could wish for, they are so supportive in the visits and I know they will support me in whatever college decision I make,” Ashley said. “My parents observe things that I don’t notice in the moment, I would not be able to do this without them.”