Getting Ready for College Visits
Spring break and summer plans are often made months in advance—and for many families with high school juniors, college visits naturally become part of those conversations. Vacations and getaways are frequently shaped around campuses a student is curious about, making this an ideal time to jump-start meaningful college exploration.
Whether you’re attending an on-campus tour or participating in a virtual visit, college visits are a critical part of the admissions journey. They offer more than just a look at buildings—they help families begin deeper conversations about fit, priorities, and readiness for the next stage.
That said, simply showing up isn’t enough. With some thoughtful planning, college visits can become one of the most powerful research tools in the admissions process.
Start With the Student—Not the School
While exposure to different college environments is important, the real value of a visit comes from understanding what your child needs to thrive academically and socially. When visits are centered on the student—rather than reputation, rankings, or outside expectations—the resulting college list is far more authentic and effective.
Before stepping foot on campus, students should spend time reflecting on questions like:
What kind of learning environment energizes me?
Do I prefer a large, bustling campus or a smaller, close-knit community?
How important are location, campus culture, and access to resources?
Visits help bring these abstract preferences into focus.
Do You Need to Visit Every School on Your List?
Short answer: no.
In fact, I don’t recommend visiting more than five schools. After a certain point, campuses begin to blur together, and students often experience burnout before the application process even begins. Time, money, and energy are finite resources—and they should be used strategically.
A smart approach:
Start with your current top-choice school
Add a few others that are geographically close to create a long weekend or week-long itinerary
Use visits to compare types of schools rather than checking off names
The goal isn’t quantity—it’s clarity.
College Visits as a Research Tool
I encourage families to think of college visits as part of the research phase, not the decision phase.
After students complete a self-discovery process—identifying interests, strengths, and preferences—visits help test those assumptions in real life. A student might confidently say they want a large campus and a business major, but that preference doesn’t fully take shape until they walk through a Big Ten campus, sit in on a tour, and observe student life firsthand.
Often, students are surprised. The size, setting, or “personality” of a school may feel very different than expected—for better or worse. When that happens, the college list should evolve accordingly.
What If You Can’t Visit Campus?
On-campus visits are valuable—but they are not the only meaningful option.
Virtual tours and online programming have become sophisticated, accessible, and highly informative. Most college websites offer several options under the Admissions tab:
Virtual campus tours (live or pre-recorded), often led by current students and highlighting key academic and residential spaces
Virtual information sessions, typically led by admissions officers, covering the application process, essays, financial aid, and campus life
Student panels, where enrolled students answer questions about housing, food, majors, extracurriculars, and day-to-day life
These experiences can provide tremendous insight—especially when paired with thoughtful reflection afterward.
Choosing Which Schools to Visit
Since visiting every school isn’t practical, deciding which schools are worth visiting is where research and self-awareness matter most.
When students begin the process focused only on college names or rankings, they often feel lost and discouraged during decision season. That disconnect usually stems from applications that lack a clear theme, authentic fit, or personal connection.
In contrast, students who can clearly articulate why a school resonates—drawing from visits, conversations, and genuine engagement—tend to stand out. Colleges use demonstrated interest, interviews, and essays to assess both fit and likelihood of enrollment.
Simply “throwing your hat in the ring” at highly competitive schools is rarely enough. Substance, reflection, and authenticity matter.
Final Thought
College visits aren’t about finding the best school—they’re about finding the right one.
When approached with intention, visits help students clarify their priorities, refine their lists, and present themselves more confidently and authentically in the application process. And that clarity is one of the strongest advantages a student can have.
