The Importance of Campus Visits: Making Informed Choices in Your College Journey
Deciding where to spend the next four years of your educational life is no small task. Though brochures and websites offer a glimpse into campus life, there’s nothing quite like being there in person. Here's why campus visits are essential and how you can maximize each visit.
Why Campus Visits Matter
Feeling the Campus Vibe. Every campus has a vibe, an atmosphere that you can best experience by being there. It's the buzz in the student commons, the quiet in the library, and the laughter from the dining halls. A college’s vibe can significantly impact your overall experience.
Seeing Beyond the Brochure. College marketing materials show sunny days and smiling faces, but visiting lets you see everything—the good and the bad. It gives you a realistic picture of the campus, helping you visualize your daily life there.
Engaging with the Community. Interacting with current students and faculty can provide insights that you won’t find in marketing materials. These interactions can reveal the community’s values and priorities and whether they align with your own.
What to Look For During a Visit
Academic Facilities. Check out the labs, studios, libraries, and classrooms. These are the spaces where you will challenge yourself and grow intellectually.
Residential Life. If possible, tour the dorms and ask about different housing options. Understanding where you might be living and the amenities available can play a significant role in your comfort and academic success.
Support Services. Identify the resources available for tutoring, other academic support, career services, and mental health. Knowing what support systems are in place can ease transitions and stress.
Extracurricular Options and Recreational Facilities. Look for signs of clubs, organizations, and social scenes that interest you. Does the college have a nice recreation center (or multiple ones at larger universities) where you can exercise? These activities will shape much of your college experience outside the classroom.
Which Colleges to Visit
For students toward the beginning of high school, try to visit colleges within driving distance of your home or in cities that you visit. Focus on seeing a variety of colleges in terms of size and location (part of the country and urban/suburban/rural)—even if you aren’t interested in those colleges specifically. If you’re a rising senior planning campus visits, it's wise to prioritize schools where you might consider applying Early Decision (ED), as applying ED is a binding commitment. Visiting campus can help ensure that the school is a fit for you, both academically and socially. Additionally, focus on colleges that track demonstrated interest as part of their admissions process, as these visits can provide a competitive edge in the admissions process. Also, make sure to visit some colleges where you are likely to be admitted, as you want to love all the colleges on your list—not just the more selective ones.
Making the Most of Campus Visits
Plan Ahead. Schedule your visits with the admissions office to ensure you have access to guided tours and information sessions. Some college tours fill up well in advance. Though it’s ideal to visit when classes are in session and the campus is busy, summer visits often are more practical because they are easier to fit in.
Ask Questions. Prepare a list of questions about academic programs, student life, services, and anything else important to you. Don’t shy away from asking tough questions.
Document Your Visit. Take notes and photos to help you remember what you liked or didn’t like about each campus. Do you have any follow-up questions? These notes will be invaluable when you’re making your final decision.
Explore the Area. Consider the surrounding area of the campus. Your college experience will also be shaped by the local community and the opportunities it offers.
Embracing Virtual Visits
When traveling isn’t feasible, virtual visits offer a valuable alternative. Many colleges offer virtual tours and information sessions that showcase key facilities and provide a feel of the campus layout. Webinars can also offer a platform to ask admissions officers questions.
Do you have questions about college visits?
Campus visits are a crucial step in determining where you'll thrive, learn, and grow. If you have any questions about which colleges to visit or about other parts of the college planning process, feel free to contact me. Happy visiting!
