MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR COLLEGE VISITS
College visits are one of the best ways to understand what life at a university is truly like. Walking the campus, talking with students, and observing the environment can help you determine whether a school feels like the right fit academically, socially, and personally.
2 WAYS TO VISIT: IN-PERSON AND ONLINE!
Both virtual and in-person visits offer valuable opportunities to learn about campus life, academic programs, and the overall environment of each institution. Most colleges provide information sessions led by admissions officers and campus tours—either on-site or through interactive virtual platforms.
Following is a list of resources to prepare for college visits. Please take a look at the documents and videos included to proceed effectively and efficiently, when pursuing college visits.
All About College Visits!
While visiting in person offers the most authentic experience—allowing you to walk the campus, meet students, and feel the community—students usually cannot travel to every college on their list. That’s why taking advantage of virtual visits is essential. They allow you to explore campuses remotely, ask questions in real time, and gain insight into each college’s distinctive offerings, culture, and values.
Start Early! Don’t wait until senior year to explore your options. Begin with virtual tours and info sessions as a freshman, and visit campuses in person as your interests grow.
SCHEDULING COLLEGE VISITS
Let's discuss the steps to schedule in-person college visits.
CLICK HERE for a quick video tutorial on how to RSVP for your campus visit and information session - both are essential when visiting a college campus in person.
Whether in person or online, you should always plan to attend both the information session and the campus tour. Together, they provide a comprehensive understanding of the college’s academic strengths, student experience, and admissions expectations.
Every visit brings insight. Even if a college doesn’t end up on your final list, each experience helps you refine what you value most in your future campus.
Tips for a meaningful visit:
Start early: Begin visiting campuses in person as early as sophomore or junior year to explore different types of colleges (large, small, urban, rural).
Plan ahead: Schedule official tours and information sessions through admissions offices, and try to visit when classes are in session.
Engage actively: Ask thoughtful questions about academics, housing, student life, and opportunities for research or internships.
Take notes: Record impressions and details to compare schools later.
Explore beyond the tour: Visit the library, dining halls, and the nearby community to get a true sense of daily life.
KEY INFORMATION DOCUMENT
CLICK HERE to access an important document that will provide very relevant resources for your college visits, including:
A College Visit Template Sheet to fill out when conducting your visit (so that you can remember and have in writing the most important aspects you learned of each college during the visit)
Questions to ask during your visit
Things to do on campus while visiting
What to wear when visiting
Factors when Choosing a College (to keep in mind during your visit)
COLLEGE PROFESSOR INTERVIEW
Interviews with College Professors at the colleges you are applying to can support your admissions process.
CLICK HERE to access a video to guide you through the process of finding an interview with a College Professor.
You must follow this process AT LEAST 3 weeks prior to your scheduled in-person college visit.
FOR SENIORS ONLY
The below information is ONLY relevant to the high school SENIORS IN THE WINTER OF 12TH GRADE, once they have been admitted to a specific college.
IF YOU HAVE ALREADY BEEN ADMITTED TO THE COLLEGE YOU ARE VISITING, CLICK HERE TO VIEW A DOCUMENT TO ASK QUESTIONS.
REMEMBER, THESE QUESTIONS CAN ONLY BE ASKED ONCE YOU ARE AN ADMITTED STUDENT!
ADMITTED STUDENTS EVENT
Once you are admitted, the best next step is to attend the university’s Admitted Student Event. These invitation-only programs give you a clearer, deeper understanding of what your college experience could look like, and offer an opportunity to make the strongest, most informed enrollment decision possible.Some benefits as discussed below:
Access to exclusive experiences
These events are built specifically for admitted students that the university hopes will enroll. Therefore, these are designed to provide deeper insights through meeting professors, exploring your academic department, sitting in on classes, touring residence halls, and connecting with current students.
Make a confident final decision
Seeing the campus “in action” helps you evaluate culture, community, academics, and whether you can truly picture yourself there. Many students say Admit Day is what ultimately confirms their choice.
Demonstrate continued interest
Your participation signals that you are actively considering enrollment. Some universities factor this into scholarship review, honors invitations, and access to priority advising resources. Admitted Student Events are also often the best time to speak with financial aid officers in person. Many schools offer:
– On-the-spot financial aid consultations
– Appeals appointments
– Guidance on maximizing aid
Admitted Student Events are a one-time opportunity to understand your fit, build relationships, advocate for financial support, and make the strongest, most informed enrollment decision possible.