The Ultimate Guide to College Visits: How to Make the Most of Your Campus Experience
Visiting colleges is one of the most exciting parts of the college search process! Whether you're touring in person or virtually, exploring a college campus gives you valuable insight into what life might be like as a student there. While websites and brochures can tell you a lot, nothing compares to seeing the campus, experiencing the atmosphere, and talking to current students.
Here’s everything you need to know about planning and making the most of your college visits.
Why College Visits Matter
A college might look perfect on paper, but stepping onto campus can tell you so much more. During a visit, you can:
✔️ Get a feel for the campus size, layout, and overall vibe.
✔️ Sit in on an info session and ask admissions representatives questions.
✔️ Observe students—are they engaged, friendly, and happy?
✔️ Check out dorms, dining halls, libraries, and other campus facilities.
✔️ Learn about academic programs, extracurricular activities, and support services.
A visit can confirm your interest in a school—or help you realize it’s not the right fit. Either way, it's an important step in narrowing down your list.
Two Ways to Visit Colleges
🏫 In-Person Campus Visits
If you’re able to travel, an in-person visit is the best way to experience campus life. Most colleges offer official campus tours, led by student guides, as well as information sessions with admissions officers. Some schools also allow prospective students to:
Sit in on a class.
Meet with professors or academic advisors.
Have lunch in the dining hall.
Stay overnight in a dorm.
đź’» Virtual College Visits
If traveling isn’t possible, virtual visits are a great alternative! Many colleges offer:
Live virtual tours with student guides.
Pre-recorded campus tours.
Webinars with admissions officers.
Q&A panels with current students.
These options allow you to explore multiple schools from home and still get a sense of what campus life is like.
How to Sign Up for a College Visit
Colleges usually require advance registration for both in-person and virtual visits. To sign up:
Visit the school’s admissions website and look for the “Visit” or “Tour” section.
Select a tour date and time that works for you.
Register online—some schools may require a confirmation email or additional details.
Plan your trip if you are visiting in person (book travel, review the campus map, and schedule additional meetings if available).
Use the Visit Planning Resources
To help you stay organized and get the most out of your campus visits, I’m sharing these helpful resources:
College Visit Checklist – This app is a multi-part form that allows you to save information as you go, upload pictures, and respond to prompts about your visit.
College Visit Planner – A resource with sample tours to help you plan your visit route and make the most of your time on campus.
Other Ways to Connect with Colleges
đź“Ś Attend College Fairs
College fairs bring together admissions representatives from multiple schools, giving you the opportunity to:
Discover new colleges you might not have considered.
Ask questions about academics, campus life, and financial aid.
Meet admissions officers who may later review your application.
Pick up brochures and materials to help with your research.
âś… How to Prepare for a College Fair:
Check the list of attending schools and prioritize which booths to visit.
Come with a list of questions (e.g., "What are some unique academic programs?" or "What career services do you offer?").
Take notes on important details to compare later.
đź“Ś Meet with College Reps at Your High School
Many colleges send admissions representatives to high schools for small-group info sessions. If one of your top schools is visiting, sign up in advance! These sessions are a great way to:
Make a personal connection with an admissions officer.
Show demonstrated interest, which some colleges track. For a comprehensive list of colleges that consider demonstrated interest in their admissions process, visit College Transitions.
Get specific answers about programs, campus life, and financial aid.
Final Thoughts
College visits—whether in person or virtual—are a key part of the decision-making process. They help you go beyond rankings and stats to truly understand what it would be like to attend a school. By planning ahead, asking questions, and taking notes, you’ll be better prepared to make an informed choice when it’s time to apply.
So start exploring, take your time, and enjoy the process—your future campus is out there waiting for you! 🚀🎓
References
College Transitions. (2024). Colleges that consider demonstrated interest. Retrieved from https://www.collegetransitions.com/dataverse/colleges-that-consider-demonstrated-interest/
National Association for College Admission Counseling. (n.d.). Campus visits and college fairs. Retrieved from https://www.nacacnet.org/
U.S. News & World Report. (2024). How to make the most of your college visits. Retrieved from https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/how-to-make-the-most-of-your-college-visits
