How to Make the Most of College Visits for High School Students
Short answer
College visits for high school students are a vital step in exploring campuses, experiencing college life, and making informed decisions about where to apply. By preparing carefully, following a clear step-by-step plan during visits, and reflecting afterward, students can gather important information and feel confident about their college choices.
What do you need before starting college visits?
Preparation is essential for making college visits effective. Start by creating a list of colleges based on what matters most, such as academic programs, campus size, location, or extracurricular options. For example, if interested in the arts, prioritize schools with strong fine arts departments. Next, visit each college’s official website to find visit schedules, registration instructions, and any COVID-19 protocols or special events.
Register for tours, information sessions, or open houses well in advance. Many colleges require online sign-ups, so mark deadlines on a calendar to avoid missing out. Preparing a list of specific questions is also crucial. These could include:
- “What types of scholarships are available for out-of-state students?”
- “How do students get involved in clubs or sports?”
- “What support services exist for academic help or mental health?”
Writing these down ensures no important points are forgotten during the visit.
On the day of the visit, bring essentials such as a notebook or a device for digital notes, comfortable walking shoes, water, sunscreen, and snacks if allowed. Parents or guardians can help arrange transportation and plan visit dates around schoolwork to prevent conflicts. Students should also inform teachers about planned absences ahead of time.
When should high school students visit colleges?
Timing college visits properly helps maximize their usefulness. Junior year is typically the best time for visits because students have a clearer sense of their interests and academic goals. Visiting campuses during the fall or spring semesters is ideal to observe active campus life, including classes, clubs, and events.
Avoid visiting during final exam weeks, holiday breaks, or summer sessions when campuses might be quieter and less representative of normal student life. For example, visiting a college in late October or early April usually shows a lively atmosphere.
Sophomore year visits can be useful for early exploration and narrowing down options, especially if planning to apply to many schools or if travel is difficult later. Middle school students can visit colleges more casually, focusing on getting familiar with what college is like without pressure to decide. Family trips in the summer can include stops at local or nearby campuses for fun tours or events.
What are the steps to make the most of your college visits?
A clear plan during visits ensures important areas are covered. Follow these steps with explanations:
- Arrive early and check in at the visitor center Arriving 15-30 minutes early allows time to pick up maps, brochures, and schedules. Visitor centers often provide helpful guides and answer questions about campus facilities.
- Join a guided campus tour or open house Tours led by current students provide insights into campus life, showing dorms, classrooms, libraries, and dining halls. Guides can share personal experiences and answer questions in ways official websites cannot.
- Attend an admissions information session These sessions explain application requirements, deadlines, financial aid, and scholarships. Examples of useful questions include: “What GPA and test scores are typical for accepted students?” or “Are there special programs for first-generation college students?”
- Visit academic departments related to your interests Contact the school ahead of time to arrange visits to specific departments. For example, if interested in computer science, ask to see labs or meet faculty. Some colleges allow visitors to sit in on a class or attend a lecture.
- Explore student life facilities Walk through dining halls, gyms, student unions, and common areas. Imagine daily routines to see if the environment feels welcoming. If athletics interests you, check out sports facilities or intramural fields.
- Talk to current students informally Seek students in dining areas or libraries and ask questions like “What do you like most about this school?” or “How challenging are the classes?” Honest student perspectives reveal campus culture beyond official presentations.
- Take detailed notes and photos Record impressions, answers to questions, and observations. Taking photos of buildings, notice boards, or events helps remember details later when comparing schools.
- Reflect immediately after the visit Spend 10-15 minutes reviewing notes and discussing your feelings with family or a counselor. Reflection helps clarify whether the school feels like a good fit and what questions remain.
How can you tell if your college visit worked?
A successful college visit leaves a student feeling more informed and confident about the school. Signs include:
- Having all planned questions answered clearly.
- Feeling comfortable and imagining daily life on campus.
- Gathering specific information about academics, housing, and activities.
- Being able to compare this school to others visited.
For instance, if after a visit a student can say, “I really like the small class sizes and the active student clubs,” it shows the visit provided meaningful insights. Conversely, if the visit left the student confused or uninterested, it may mean more research or additional visits are needed.
What should you do when a college visit doesn’t go as planned?
If a visit is disrupted—such as a canceled tour, limited access to facilities, or a quiet campus—take these steps:
- Contact the admissions office promptly to ask about rescheduling or alternative virtual options.
- Use virtual tours and online resources to explore campus features and hear from students.
- Note down what was missing or disappointing to communicate clearly in follow-up emails or calls.
- Discuss the experience with a trusted adult to gain perspective and plan next steps.
- Plan a second visit if possible, ideally on a different day when campus is more active.
For example, if a dorm tour was canceled, request photos or a video walkthrough. If it’s not possible to visit again, joining online student panels or webinars can provide additional information.
How can college visits be adapted for middle school students?
College visits for middle schoolers should focus on exposure and engagement rather than decision-making. Plan visits around fun, interactive activities such as campus museums, sports events, or theater performances open to the public. Encourage middle school students to ask simple questions, like “What kinds of classes do students take?” or “Where do students hang out?”
Using scavenger hunts or photo challenges during tours makes the experience playful and memorable. For example, challenge students to find three campus landmarks or count how many trees are on campus. This builds excitement about the idea of college without pressure.
Parents and educators can use visits to start conversations about future goals and the importance of education. The goal at this age is to build curiosity and motivation for later academic planning.
What should high school students do after a college visit?
After each visit, organize notes and photos to compare schools effectively. Creating a chart or pros and cons list helps. For example:
| Feature | College A | College B |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Urban | Suburban |
| Tuition Cost | $$$ | $$ |
| Class Size | Small (~20 students) | Large (~100 students) |
| Housing | On-campus dorms | Mostly off-campus |
| Student Life | Active clubs, Greek life | Focus on sports |
Discuss impressions with family members, counselors, or teachers to gather advice and clarify priorities. Following up with colleges by sending thank-you emails or requesting additional materials demonstrates interest and helps maintain communication.
Finally, use insights from visits to focus applications on schools that fit personal and academic goals. Keep track of application deadlines, required tests, and scholarship opportunities mentioned during visits to stay organized.
Frequently asked questions
How many colleges should high school students visit to get a good sense?
Visiting 3 to 5 colleges is usually enough to compare options without feeling overwhelmed. Choose a mix of large and small schools, public and private, or different locations to get varied perspectives.
Can virtual college visits replace in-person visits?
Virtual visits are helpful for initial exploration or when travel isn’t possible, offering videos, live chats, and tours. However, in-person visits provide firsthand experience of campus atmosphere, student interactions, and facilities, which is invaluable.
What are some good questions to ask current students during visits?
Questions like “What do you wish you knew before starting college?” “How is the social life on campus?” and “Are professors approachable outside class?” provide honest insights into daily student life.
Is it okay to visit colleges multiple times?
Yes. Visiting a school more than once, especially at different times, offers a deeper understanding of campus culture and activities, helping confirm if it’s a good fit.
How can parents help make college visits more productive?
Parents can assist by organizing transportation, helping prepare questions, attending family sessions, and discussing the visit afterward to support decision-making.