Students forget 70% of what they learn within 24 hours...
Unless they write it down.
The Forgetting Curve
In 1885, German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus discovered something that still holds true today: we forget new information rapidly unless we take action to retain it. His research established what scientists call the "forgetting curve."
Here's what happens to new information without intervention:
50%
forgotten within 1 hour
70%
forgotten within 24 hours
90%
forgotten within a week
The good news? Taking notes and reviewing them interrupts the forgetting curve. When you write something down, you process it more deeply. When you review it later, you strengthen the memory.
You Will Hear More Than 130 Pieces of Information on Your Visit
Think about everything that happens during a single campus visit: the admissions presentation, the walking tour, the dining hall stop, conversations with current students, observations about the campus vibe. That's hours of new information flooding your brain.
Now imagine doing that three, four, five times across different campuses. Without a system, it all blurs together.
The result?
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Students can't remember which campus had the great library
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They forget the questions they wanted to ask
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They mix up details between schools
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They make decisions based on vague feelings instead of real observations
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Parents get shrugs instead of actual feedback
It's Not Just About Having Notes Later
Note-taking helps in two ways: the act of writing itself (encoding) and having something to review later (external storage).
Research shows that students who take notes by hand retain more than those who type or don't take notes at all. The physical act of writing engages the brain more deeply.
But it's not just about retention. Taking notes also:
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Keeps you engaged — you're actively processing instead of passively absorbing
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Forces evaluation — you have to decide what's worth writing down
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Creates a record — you can compare schools side by side later
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Enables reflection — reviewing notes reinforces what you learned
The College Visit Journal was Built For This
Here are tips for what to do before, during and after your visit:
Before the Visit: Preparation is Key
1. Create a Campus Visit Checklist: Before you set foot on any campus, prepare a checklist of what matters most to you. Consider aspects like academic programs, campus facilities, housing, extracurricular activities, and overall vibe. This checklist will serve as your guide, ensuring you cover all important areas during your visit, which you can later detail in your campus journal.
2. Research the Campus: Understand some facts about the campus. Knowing the basics will help you focus on details that matter most to you. Write down specific questions you want to ask during your visit, and leave space in your campus journal to note the answers.
During the Visit: Be Observant and Detailed
3. Use a Dedicated Notebook:
Designate a specific notebook (like The College Visit Journal: Campus Visits Demystified) for your campus journal. This will help keep your thoughts organized and easily accessible when you review them later.
4. Capture First Impressions:
First impressions can be powerful indicators of your initial reactions. Write down your immediate thoughts as soon as you arrive on campus in your campus journal. Note the overall vibe, how welcoming the campus feels, and your gut reaction.
5. Attend Information Sessions and Tours:
During official tours and info sessions, jot down key points in your campus journal. Note the tour guide’s insights, unique programs, and standout features of the campus. Pay attention to details that resonate with your interests and needs.
6. Talk to Students and Staff:
Engage with current students and faculty. Ask about their experiences, what they love about the campus, and any challenges they’ve faced. Note their responses and any personal anecdotes they share in your campus journal.
7. Take Photos:
Visual reminders can complement your campus journal. Capture photos of important landmarks, buildings, dorm rooms, and any other aspects that stand out. Make sure to note why you took each photo and include these notes in your campus journal.
8. Record Specific Details:
Be specific about recording details in your campus journal. Note the names of buildings, the layout of the campus, dining hall options, and available facilities. These specifics will help you remember each visit more clearly.
After the Visit: Review and Reflect
10. Summarize Your Experience:
Soon after your visit, take time to summarize your overall experience in your campus journal. Highlight the positives and any concerns. Reflect on whether the campus met your expectations and how it aligns with your college criteria.
11. Compare and Contrast:
As you visit more campuses, use your campus journal to compare and contrast each one. Look for patterns and recurring themes that indicate what you value most in a college.
12. Update Your Checklist:
After each visit, revisit your checklist. Add any new questions or considerations that arose during your tour. This will help refine your criteria for future visits and ensure your campus journal remains an updated record.
Before You Go, Remember...
Maximize Your Memory Retention
Three things to remember:
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Write during the visit — don't wait until you get home
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Review that same evening — add details while they're fresh
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Revisit before your next visit — compare as you go, not months later
