Making the Most Out of College Visits

Summer is the perfect time for rising juniors and seniors to hit the road and start visiting colleges. With fewer school obligations and more flexibility, it’s a great opportunity to get a feel for different campuses and begin shaping your college list. But just showing up isn’t enough—here’s how to make each visit count.

1. Start with a Game Plan

Before you visit, do your homework. Research each school’s academic programs, culture, and values. Make a list of what you want to learn or confirm during your visit. Are you interested in undergraduate research? Study abroad? Campus diversity? Jot down specific questions to ask students, tour guides, or admissions staff.

2. Register for Official Tours

While it’s fine to do a casual drive-through, official campus tours often include info sessions and access to areas you wouldn’t get to see otherwise. Plus, many colleges track demonstrated interest, so registering can show the school you're serious.

3. Explore Beyond the Tour

Once the official visit ends, keep exploring. Eat in the dining hall or walk through the student center. Check out the surrounding town or city too—after all, you’re not just choosing a college, you’re choosing a temporary home.

4. Talk to Real Students

No one knows a school better than the students who go there. Chat with your tour guide, stop someone in the quad, or ask to be connected with a current student in your area of interest. Ask about campus life, workload, and what they wish they knew before enrolling.

5. Take Notes and Photos

After three or four visits, campuses start to blur together. Keep a dedicated journal or digital folder where you store photos, impressions, and answers to your key questions. What did you like? What didn’t click? These reflections will help you later when it’s time to decide—or write supplemental essays.

6. Be Open-Minded

Sometimes the college you thought was “just okay” on paper will blow you away in person—and sometimes your dream school might not feel right. That’s okay. College visits are as much about discovering what you don’t want as what you do.

Bonus Tip: Can’t visit in person? Many schools now offer robust virtual tours, student panels, and live Q&A sessions. Make time to attend these and approach them just as seriously.