From a very early age, I had always been fascinated by college and universities. I always felt school to be restrictive (especially when I was in elementary school) and in some cases monotonous. The very prospect of one day I will be studying in higher-level institutions blew my mind. The campuses seemed like miniature planets of bustling activity, complemented by degrees of freedom that struck a chord within my small figure. I started my journey in exploring various campuses when I was in 5th grade, and ever since I had the fortune of visiting several other university campuses. Visiting these campus, especially during my high school years helped me with necessary clarity on what exactly resonates with me and as a result it helped narrow down choices on where I want to apply and where I do not want to. I realized that it is important that when you visit the campus you feel drawn to it and whether you see it matching your personality. I also extensively researched and toured other campuses virtually as it is not practical to go visit many of them in person although I suggest it is best to visit as many you can!
MIT
When my cousin decided to settle down in Boston, Massachusetts after his undergrad from Michigan, I was at the edge of my seat to come and visit him. When my aunt from India was visiting my cousin, they invited us over to spend a few days during May 2018. With just my dad and me (while I was in 5th grade), we woke up at the crack of dawn and boarded our flight from Austin, TX to Boston Logan Airport. From there, we drove to my cousin’s house in the Boston suburbs. The drive to the house was interesting. The geography and vegetation provided a stark contrast to the dry and brown fields of Texas where I am from. The Charles River stood gleaming across the city, and in the distance, I could see a sprawling collection of buildings that each stood purposefully.
During our trip, we toured many areas of Boston, including some of the parks and restaurants that downtown had to offer. Then it was announced that my cousin wanted to drive me to Cambridge, MA and show me MIT. As I walked and stood in front of the iconic Great Dome, a sense of wonder and excitement filled me with drive and purpose, which has since carried me throughout my primary and secondary education. Did I feel connected to this place and inspired to apply to MIT later? I don’t know as I was too young, and while I was there, I wanted to soak the experience all in.
Univ. of Denver
With the onset of COVID-19, traveling became very difficult, so the majority of my middle school years were solely focused on education and adjusting to remote learning. Post Covid, during my freshman year of high school, I started receiving invitations from select institutions to tour their campuses. One such invitation was from the University of Denver.
Denver caught my eye at the time for several reasons. Colorado has a lot of natural beauty filled with mountain landscapes. A campus located in the vicinity of such natural beauty appealed to me quite a bit. In addition, the location of the campus being within the city limits but still having its own boundaries also added to the appeal. I decided on signing up for an official tour
So, during spring break of my freshman year, my dad and I boarded a flight, this time to Denver. The mile-high city did indeed surprise me. The terrain was much flatter than I expected, but In the distance, I could see the Rocky Mountains and that did add to the overall vibe of the place. After arriving at the hotel late at night, we set off for the university in the morning. I loved the campus look and feel as it had fields of beautiful green grass and paved brick paths intermixed with both medieval-like and modern architecture.
While the campus itself felt charming, I did feel it was quite small. We could walk from one end to another end in 30 minutes or so. I also felt it seemed a lonelier place, even though it was a Friday morning. I expected a lot of students on the diags & crosswalks going from one building to another. The presentation that was held beforehand was done very well and introduced the institution very well. But during the student panel, when I posed the question about Engineering majors, the responses I obtained made me question the rigor of the various engineering programs.
I also noticed that the university was not big on Diversity although the presentation claimed that they are working to improve that. However, there were a few highlights – I loved the food court in particular as it had a variety of healthy and gourmet options. I was awed by the scale of its athletic center, and particularly its Olympic-size pool.
There was no doubt in my mind that the University of Denver was a great institution, but I just didn’t feel I belonged there. I did not feel I was drawn to the university
despite the appeal of being in Colorado near the Rockies. I made the decision that I would not consider this institution for my future.
Harvard Univ.
During the summers upon completion of my freshman year, we traveled to New
York and Boston for a vacation. We flew into La Guardia airport and after having spent a few
days in the city, we decided to take a trip across the east coast to Boston to meet my cousin
(whom I had met a few years ago) and also visit a close friend of Dad who worked in Cambridge,
MA.
Upon meeting my Dad’s friend, we took the opportunity to see Harvard. Harvard University has always been one of those schools that feels almost mythical. So, when I got the chance to visit, I was beyond excited. We drove through the bustling streets of Cambridge and as we approached the campus, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of awe and excitement. The historic buildings, the lush green quads, and the overall atmosphere while watching the campus (from an Ice Cream shop) felt divine.
My dad’s friend acted like a campus
tour and shared a lot of stories about campus life and the various traditions associated with
Harvard. I later walked through Harvard Yard. I stood in front of Widener Library, walked the quad, the various departments, and the statue of John Harvard himself. Apparently, you are supposed to rub his feet for good luck, as a tradition, which I obliged.
The campus was buzzing with activity, and it was inspiring to see so many students in and around the campus. Seeing all the intelligent students around campus made me hopeful for the time when I could maybe join them in my own place. While I felt somewhat inferior to the students around me, the desire to achieve greatness grew within me, nonetheless.
However, as impressive as Harvard was, I felt it might not be the right fit for me. The pressure and competition felt intense, and I wasn’t sure if I wanted that kind of environment for my college experience. Despite its prestige and the amazing resources, it offers, I left Harvard feeling unsure. In the end, visiting Harvard was an amazing experience that I’ll never forget. It helped me understand more about what I’m looking for in a college and what kind of environment will help me thrive. While Harvard may not be my destination, it will always have a special place in my journey of exploring colleges.
UT Austin
My experience at UT, Austin was much different from my prior college visits. While I merely
visited other campuses briefly either for a formal or informal tour, I went for a 3 week in in-person class at UT as part of a summer program during the summer following my freshman year. Being an Austin area resident, it made sense for me to opt for a program just to get introduced to what campus life will entail but in familiar conditions.
The course, Engineering Creativity and Design, was about learning and applying engineering
principles. The objective was to apply the same towards the completion of a final project: a
quadcopter designed to carry a 16 oz water bottle through a small obstacle course.
At the beginning of the program, I was a bit overwhelmed by the campus experience
and the technical element aspects. UT, unlike a few other campuses I visited prior, was a very huge campus. In my first few weeks, I used to get lost quite often within the campus. I also found myself in the company of many others who were either rising juniors or seniors and that overwhelmed me. But as the days went by, my confidence grew. Not just in my ability to work in a team and work on technical elements such as developing working prototypes, but also in being able to independently navigate the sprawling UT campus. I started finding my way to and from the dorm where all the students meet in the morning and the College of Engineering. I also explored various places of dining during lunch by myself.
During my three-week journey, I was able to grasp the engineering design principles, learn how to use CAD tools and operate a laser machine to cut the drone shapes precisely. I was part of a 3-person team, and we built a working drone literally from scratch and with a few trials/errors made it fly with the required payload (water bottle)
But more importantly, I developed a positive mindset of knowing how to manage on my own. From this experience, I gained the confidence to carry myself as an adult in the near future. The campus itself was amazing. It was huge, with so many places to explore and hang out. I loved the energy and vibe of the students there despite it being summertime, and it made me even more excited about the possibility of going to college. UT Austin felt like a place where I could really grow and thrive, both academically and personally.
Texas A&M
During my high school sophomore year, I received a formal invite to join NSHSS which I opted for. One of the programs they have is the College member event which I tapped into as it gave me the opportunity to tour prospective campuses in a formal setting. One such event I attended was at Texas A&M College Station, where the campus is located, a 2-hour drive from Austin. We woke up early in the morning and drove through the Texas countryside to College Station.
While I was there, I got a chance to visit the campus at length after attending the various events NSHSS planned earlier in the day. We drove through the campus for the most part as it was huge plus it was pretty hot (this was early March, btw). We also drove through the town. Literally, the entire College Station city seems to be the University. This is when I first hand experienced what a college town would be like.
I was impressed with the breadth of the campus. The buildings and infrastructure were modern. The overall setting encircling the campus was very rural though, which I found interesting.
The state-of-the-art athletic facilities, in particular, drew my attention. One such facility, the tennis courts, piqued my interest. As a member of my high school varsity tennis team, I was thrilled to find out there was a match about to start between A&M and the University of Kentucky if I recall. With A&M being a Division One school for tennis, the sheer skill and athletic ability on display were fascinating to watch. Mind you I am not a huge fan of Texas heat (but who is) and the heat felt a lot more in such a spread-out campus, my interest in sports was so strong that I knew I would continue playing in college. Whether through intramurals or through a club, I am set on playing tennis throughout my journey in higher education. I also happen to know a lot of my school alums who have chosen A&M as their destination.
Texas A&M’s campus was impressive, and the sense of community was palpable. The facilities
and opportunities available made a strong impression on me. Watching a live sporting event reinforced my passion for the sport and solidified my determination to keep it as a part of my college experience. Texas A&M for various reasons, including proximity, strength of the engineering program, the campus setting, and the sports craziness are definitely on my wish list.
UC Davis
When my dad had to go on a work trip to the West Coast, I got a chance to accompany him as it was my spring break. Our first stop was San Francisco and the Silicon Valley and during this trip, we took the time to tour UC Davis.
During my recent time in high school, I heard about UC Davis. Upon subsequent research, I understood that this school is known for its agriculture and engineering. I had signed up for a university tour prior to our visit as I was eager to experience the campus and specifically explore its College of Engineering. We drove one Friday morning from the Bay Area to Davis.
I did not realize that Davis is actually very close to Sacramento, a city I visited a few years ago when we traveled to Lake Tahoe for a vacation. My mind was blown by the sheer beauty of the campus. Davis was it’s own small yet bustling
city, interwoven with nature to create a near-perfect harmonious balance.
The highlight of my visit was definitely the UC Davis Arboretum. Walking through the lush
gardens and along the serene waterways was incredibly calming. The small bridge spanning
over the Arboretum River attracted me. It felt like a perfect place to unwind and find inspiration.
The combination of modern buildings and historic structures, along with the bike-friendly
atmosphere (mind you, there were lot of bikers), excited me.
I also got a chance to explore their impressive science facilities, which are top-notch. Given my
interest in engineering, UC Davis’s strong focus on engineering and research caught my
attention. I particularly liked the university’s commitment to green initiatives.
All in all, I felt like this could be a place where I could thrive both personally and academically.
What stood out the most, though, was the sense of community. Everyone I met was friendly and enthusiastic, making the campus feel welcoming and inclusive.
Once the extensive campus tour concluded, I left the campus more excited than ever to apply. My visit to UC Davis left me with a positive impression and genuine excitement about the possibilities for my future there.
Univ. of Washington
After the trip to San Francisco, my dad and I traveled to Washington as the last stop on his work trip. While we were there, we stopped by UW. We were lucky to even find a spot in their campus presentation and tour on such short notice. And I fell in love with the campus.
My visit to the University of Washington in Seattle was the most unforgettable. From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by Seattle’s vibrant atmosphere (We stayed in a downtown hotel) and the campus’s stunning beauty. The university’s location very close to the city but still somewhat secluded offered breathtaking views and a sense of serenity.
As soon as I stepped onto the campus, I was struck by the impressive blend of historic and modern architecture. The cherry blossoms, and the Suzallo Library were all amazing sights. The view of Mount Rainier lined right behind the great Drumheller Fountain was a sight to behold. Walking through the quad, I felt the energy of the students around me in a vibrant positive manner.
Seattle itself was a big part of why I loved the visit. The city’s dynamic culture, with its mix of tech innovation, arts, and natural beauty, made it an exciting place to explore. And no, I did not mind the rain, and cloudy skies. It was a welcome change of sight from the Texas climate.
During the campus presentation and the tour, I learned about The University of Washington’s commitment to research and innovation. This was evident everywhere I looked. I was particularly impressed by their renowned engineering program, which I researched to a great extent upon my return home.
My visit to UW left me with a sense of excitement and a strong desire to become part of this incredible community. The campus was breathtaking, and the overall experience solidified my belief that the University of Washington would be at the top of my wish list.
Univ. of Michigan
It was time to return to a place which I once called Home. While my college travels have taken me across the country, my roots are in Michigan. It wasn’t just my roots. My dad went to school at Ross, and my mom used to teach at UMICH Flint. With yet another member event for NSHSS, my dad and I set off for the state I was born.
I was born in the greater Detroit area, but I moved when I was just four years old. Returning after 13 years gave me goosebumps. From the moment we flew in, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia and curiosity. Most of my memories were extremely faded and too incoherent to retell.
Walking around the campus with my dad was an emotional experience. He had so many memories from his time at Ross, and seeing the pride and nostalgia in his eyes made it even more special. The University of Michigan’s campus was impressive. The blend of historic buildings with state-of-the-art facilities created an atmosphere that felt both prestigious and progressive.
After the NSHSS member event, we explored Ann Arbor with the help of a senior at UMICH, the son of one of my dad’s colleagues. He shared his experience as an international student and gave valuable insights into the campus life and the college application process. The college campus was beautiful, blending nicely with Ann Arbor’s endless shops and food establishments. Later on, we drove to check the North Campus. I was particularly excited to see the engineering facilities, as their renowned program was one of the main reasons for my visit. We checked out the Ford Robotics building from inside, and I was amazed at the range of the facilities the center offered.
What actually stood out to me about the University was the sense of community and school spirit. The school was obviously known for the Football team, having won the national championship, and I could sense lot of the passion not just for Football but also other sports. The strong sense of unity and pride among the students made me feel like this could be a place where I can belong
But before I left, I wanted to ensure I visit the famous rotating cube. This was a memorable moment especially as I gave it a spin, I actually sort of felt a connection to all the students who had done the same over the years. It was an iconic part of the Michigan experience that made me feel a part of the school’s rich history and traditions.
The experience I had in Michigan was unlike any other college visit. The place had a lasting sense of familiarity and comfort. The profound connection I felt to the university, along with its impressive academic offerings and vibrant campus life, left a lasting impression on me. I left Ann Arbor feeling more determined to apply to the University of Michigan.
Univ. of Chicago
As part of the last set of tours during the summer following my junior year, we decided to visit midwestern states including Illinois and Indiana. We flew into Chicago O-Hare and stayed in the downtown. Next day drove to University of Chicago campus south of the city. I had signed up for one of their summer days. The University had sent out several mailers to our home address and it was almost like I cannot ignore and as such compelled to give this university a keen consideration.
Prior to my visit, I researched the University at length. I got to know about its incredible academics in liberal arts and sciences, as well as the renowned contributions from its Nobel laureate alumni. I was particularly impressed with the accomplishments from the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering. The school seemed as an incredibly attractive choice for one of my passions – Astronomy and Astrophysics.
The presentation was held at the Rockefeller Chapel. Upon entering the Chapel, we were greeted by the Dean of Admissions. The stunning stained glass that adorned the chapel walls felt amazing. I sat and listened, as the dean presented the university and the student panel discussed the wonderful opportunities at the university. There was lot of mention about the innumerable accomplishments from the Chicago alumni.
Upon the end of the presentation, we were taken the tour around the campus. I gaped at the leaf-covered buildings, the medieval/ gothic-like architecture. The very notion of an existence of a particle accelerator in the basement of the physics building was just mind blowing. During the tour, we learned more about the fun aspects of the campus. The tour guide mentioned something interesting about the Regenstien library. The book section of the library, covered in tinted windows in a pyramid-like shape, apparently is off limits to the students and there is a robot arm which brings the chosen books.
After the tour was done, there was an ice cream social which I gladly partook in. Then we headed to a nearby Plenary cafe for our brunch. I had the best breakfast Croissant Sandwich ever in that cafe
Overall, my experience at UChicago was extremely insightful and I felt the trip was very worth. This made me excited to apply to this university as one of my top choices for astronomy and astrophysics, despite knowing that the University was extremely selective.
Purdue University
After visiting University of Chicago, we drove to Indiana to visit Purdue University. Purdue is very well known for Engineering and my parents suggested that I seriously consider the university.
When I arrived at Purdue, it wasn’t quite what I expected. The city of West Lafayette felt quiet—almost too quiet—with a lifeless, barren vibe that caught me off guard. It lacked the energy I was hoping to find in a college town. Still, I knew I needed to give the campus a fair shot, so I started exploring.
As I walked through the engineering buildings, I was struck by the sheer magnitude of Purdue’s legacy. The walls were lined with portraits of astronauts, many of whom were alumni, and renowned physicists who had left their mark on history. The facilities themselves were clearly top-notch, with everything you’d expect from a world-class engineering school. I could tell that Purdue was an incredible institution academically, especially in engineering, which was a major draw for me.
However, as I walked around the campus, I realized something was missing—there just wasn’t the sense of belonging I had hoped for. We went to a dining hall and met with some undergraduate students. Based on the discussions, I felt that Purdue is a serious institution and I was not sure if people had lot of fun at Campus.
As much as I wanted to imagine myself waking up every morning and walking past the iconic engineering fountain, there was this underlying feeling that told me that Purdue wasn’t the right place for me. It was hard to explain, but sometimes you just know when a campus doesn’t quite feel like home. So, despite its strong academic appeal and an seemingly incredible Aerospace Engineering program, I decided to keep looking for a school where I could see myself truly fitting in.
Rose-Hulman Inst. of Tech.
When I arrived at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Indiana, I was initially intrigued, given its strong reputation for engineering and the recommendation from my counselor to give it a consideration.
However, as we drove onto the campus, I quickly realized it wasn’t exactly what I had anticipated. The campus itself was quite small, which gave it a very intimate and quiet feel, but it lacked the bustling energy I expected from a college known for its strong engineering programs.
Sure, it was summer, but there was hardly anyone around—no students walking to and from classes, no groups of friends hanging out, no real signs of life that you’d typically expect from a college.
We drove across the campus in what felt like a matter of minutes, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. The surroundings, while peaceful and pleasant, felt too isolated.
I was hoping to find a suitable campus with more energy, where I could feel both academically challenged and socially engaged.
The stillness of Rose-Hulman just didn’t resonate with me. As much as I appreciated the school’s technology focused reputation, I simply couldn’t picture myself there. So, after a quick tour, I turned to my dad and told him that this wasn’t the right place for me, and we decided to move on to our next stop.
University of Illinois
Our next and final stop in the mid-west college tour was the University of Illinois. When we drove from Terra Haute, Indiana and arrived at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the barren cornfields of Illinois had me lowering my expectations. But as I entered the cities of Urbana and Champaign, everything changed. The urban feel mixed with the residential nature of the town made it an appealing place to live and study. The campus itself was stunning, with its iconic red-brick buildings and beautiful, sprawling lawns that seemed to merge perfectly with the surrounding city. More importantly, despite being summer, the campus was extremely lively and that added to the overall appeal.
We went for an official campus presentation and an extensive tour next day and I learnt a lot of things from the same. The tour even too us to a classroom and more interestingly, a residential dorm. It was by far the most extensive campus tour I have ever been,
What really drew me in was the deep sense of tradition and history that permeates the university. From the statue of Abe Lincoln, where students rub his nose for luck before exams, to the vibrant student life on the quad, UIUC radiated energy. I felt right at home walking through the campus, as if I belonged there. The diversity of students was evident, and the atmosphere was welcoming.
Academically, UIUC was a powerhouse. The state-of-the-art facilities, especially for engineering and technology, were a testament to the school’s dedication to innovation. The chance to work with cutting-edge technology and be part of groundbreaking research was an opportunity I couldn’t ignore.
In just a few hours, I was sold. UIUC had everything I was looking for in a university—a rich blend of academics, tradition, and campus life. I could easily picture myself walking through those same red-brick halls as a Fighting Illini. It quickly made its way to the top of my list of schools to apply to, and I couldn’t be more excited about the prospect of calling it home.
