Preparing for a college campus visit is exciting, and these campus visit tips will help you make the most of your experience.
The most important things to prepare for campus visits:
Schedule your tour in advance and take advantage of any additional opportunities. If possible, arrange to meet with an academic advisor—they’re an excellent source of information!
Come prepared with some knowledge ahead of time so that you're naturally curious; it's a great idea to do a virtual visit first.
Wear comfortable walking shoes!
Tips for during your campus visit:
Listen to others' questions -- they can reveal things that are important to other prospective students and help you come up with questions for future tours.
Ask your own questions. Don't be afraid to ask something that comes to mind -- allow your tour to be a conversation.
Ask about the off-campus community. Where do students go for pizza, coffee, or ice cream? What do they do for fun or on weekends? Is having a car necessary?
Observe students in places like the cafeteria, student center, or ice cream shop (weather permitting) to get a sense of campus life and personalities. If you’re comfortable, ask students about their experiences. Many people working in spots like the bookstore or campus café are students who were once in your shoes, making them great resources for honest insights.
If you have questions, take the opportunity to visit the financial aid office and request a business card for direct contact later.
Introduce yourself to your Admissions Officer—it’s helpful to put a face to the name. If you have questions about the application process or your fit at the school, they may be the best person to ask. You might also meet them at future events, like when they visit your high school. While at the Admissions office, ask if it’s possible to eat a meal on campus.
Before you leave, grab publications. Pick up any brochures of interest to you and a copy of the school newspaper. The newspaper is a great place to get information that isn't a sales pitch! (Keep an eye out for coupons, too.)
After a visit:
Go to the bookstore and an eating area. Think about whether you can see yourself here. Is this a community where you can be comfortable?
Drive around to explore areas not shown on tours. Check the distance to the dorms, the stadium, or the dining halls. Visit nearby spots you might frequent, like sophomore housing or the gym, for a fuller picture of campus life.
Make your list of pros and cons, highlighting the "must-haves" you’re discovering as well as any “deal-breakers." This will help guide your exploration of other colleges to add to your list.
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