When Should You Do College Visits?
Short answer
College visits should ideally be done during the junior year of high school or early senior year, before applications are due. This timing allows students to experience campuses firsthand, gather information, and make informed choices about where to apply. Visiting colleges early also helps with comparing options and reducing stress during application season.
What Is a College Visit?
A college visit is a planned trip to a college campus made by prospective students and often their families. The goal is to experience the campus environment, ask questions, and learn about academic programs, student life, housing, and other important factors that influence college decisions. Visits can include guided tours, information sessions, and meetings with admissions counselors or faculty. These visits provide a much clearer picture of what attending a particular college might be like compared to just reading brochures or websites.
For example, a student interested in environmental science might visit three campuses to compare their lab facilities, internship opportunities, and student clubs related to sustainability. This hands-on exploration helps identify which college feels like the best fit personally and academically.
Why Does Timing Matter for College Visits?
Timing matters because visiting too early or too late can limit the usefulness of the experience. Doing visits during the junior year or early senior year allows students to:
- Understand the campus culture before applying
- Ask specific questions about programs of interest
- Attend on-campus events or classes, if possible
- Observe housing options and dining facilities firsthand
- Meet current students and faculty
- Assess commute or town environment for off-campus students
If visits happen too late, students may miss deadlines or have less time to decide where to apply. If done too early (like freshman or sophomore year), the student might not know enough about their interests to ask meaningful questions or evaluate academic fit.
How Should You Plan and Schedule College Visits?
Start planning visits about 6 to 12 months before application deadlines. Many colleges offer official tours and information sessions Monday through Friday, but some also have weekend or summer options. Contact the admissions office or use the college’s website to schedule a visit and register for any special events.
Consider:
- Prioritizing colleges based on interest and application plans.
- Grouping multiple visits geographically to save travel time and costs.
- Preparing questions related to academics, financial aid, campus safety, and extracurricular opportunities.
- Checking if the school offers virtual tours or interviews as backup options.
For example, if a student plans to apply to five colleges across three states, they might spend a spring break week visiting two schools in one city, then another weekend visiting the remaining ones to make the most of travel.
What Should You Do During a College Visit?
A college visit is more than just walking around the campus. Here are key activities to maximize the visit:
- Attend a guided campus tour to learn about facilities and student life.
- Participate in an information session led by admissions staff.
- Visit academic departments relevant to your interests.
- Sit in on a class if possible to see teaching styles.
- Explore dorms and dining halls to assess living conditions.
- Talk to current students about their experiences.
- Ask about financial aid, scholarships, and application tips.
- Take notes or photos to compare later.
Bringing a checklist can help cover all important points. For example, a student interested in engineering might prioritize visiting labs and talking with professors, while an athlete might focus on sports facilities.
What Happens After College Visits?
After visits, reflect on impressions and compare notes. Consider:
- Which campus felt most welcoming and comfortable?
- How did academic programs align with your goals?
- What financial aid options were available?
- Did the location suit your lifestyle preferences?
- How did the social environment match your personality?
Use this information to narrow down your college list and craft more personalized application essays. Also, keep in touch with admissions staff to ask any follow-up questions.
What Are Common Terms Related to College Visits?
Some terms related to college visits include:
- Information Session: A presentation about the college’s offerings, admissions process, and campus life.
- Campus Tour: A guided walk around the campus led by a current student or staff member.
- Open House: A special event where multiple departments and activities are showcased, often including faculty meetings.
- Interview: A one-on-one or group conversation with an admissions officer to learn more about the applicant.
- Virtual Tour: An online video or interactive experience of the campus for those who cannot visit in person.
Understanding these terms helps students and families plan visits and know what to expect.
Should Everyone Visit Colleges Before Applying?
While college visits are very helpful, not everyone can visit every campus in person due to distance, cost, or scheduling conflicts. In those cases, virtual tours, online information sessions, and reaching out to current students or alumni via social media can provide useful insights. However, visiting at least a few campuses in person is highly recommended because it gives a better feel for the environment and community.
For example, a student applying to a local community college might visit frequently, while another applying to a distant university might only visit once or rely more on virtual resources.
What to Do Next After Deciding When to Visit?
Once you've chosen the timing, follow these steps:
- Make a list of colleges to visit based on your interests and application plans.
- Contact admissions offices or visit college websites to schedule tours and sessions.
- Prepare questions and a checklist tailored to your priorities.
- Arrange transportation and accommodations if needed.
- Plan your itinerary to make efficient use of your time.
- Keep track of impressions and information after each visit for comparison.
Good planning ensures your college visits are productive and help you make informed decisions about your future.
For more about planning and making the most of college visits, see How to Schedule College Visits Effectively and How to Prepare for a College Visit.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do college visits during the summer?
Yes, many colleges offer summer visit programs, tours, and information sessions. Summer visits can be a good option if the school year is busy, but campuses might be quieter with fewer students around. Check each college’s schedule to see what’s available and consider visiting when more students are on campus to get a fuller experience.
What if I can’t visit all my colleges in person?
If visiting all campuses isn’t possible, prioritize your top choices and consider virtual tours or online sessions for others. You can also reach out to current students or alumni for their insights. Many schools provide comprehensive online resources to help you understand their campus and culture.
How do I prepare questions for a college visit?
Focus on topics important to you such as academic programs, campus safety, financial aid, housing, and extracurricular activities. Write down specific questions before the visit, like “What internship opportunities are available for biology majors?” or “How does the school support first-generation students?” This ensures you gather useful information.
Is it better to visit colleges before or after applying?
Visiting before applying is generally best because it helps you decide which colleges to include on your application list. Seeing campuses firsthand can influence your choices and make your applications more targeted. However, some students visit after applying to help decide where to enroll.
Can parents or guardians also visit colleges?
Absolutely. Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit colleges with students to understand the environment and resources available. Their perspective can help with financial and logistical planning and support the student’s decision-making process.
What should I wear on a college visit?
Dress comfortably and casually since visits often involve walking around campus. Wear weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes. Bringing a backpack with water, a notebook, and any necessary documents is also recommended.