How to make the most of a college visit
...and how to approach a current student without feeling like a weirdo
This time of year is excellent for college visits since the hustle and bustle of student life allows you to get an authentic look at a campus. But simply showing up and wandering around, hoping to feel a “vibe” is not the best approach. It’s helpful to make a plan to make sure that your visit will help you decide if it’s a good fit and provide insight that will help you with your essays.
Here are our tips for making the most of your time on a college campus:
Make it official
You might have a friend or family member who attends the college you are visiting who has offered to give you the insider’s tour. While you should absolutely accept any such offers, don’t let an unofficial tour take the place of the real, official tour that you get through the welcome center. Why? Two reasons: First, we’ve discussed the value of demonstrated interest – official tours are the best way to demonstrate your interest in a school and get credit for this metric. Second, official tours are a great way to understand a school’s values. After all, it is a curated look at the aspects they’re most proud of.
Gather information
Collect brochures and pamphlets that you come across. Pop into the advising office for the department that you’re interested in. Take a picture of the campus map as well as campus landmarks. See if you can attend an information session, and make sure to take notes. It might even be possible to meet with a professor whose class interests you or shadow a class by sitting in the back. Just send a polite email a couple of weeks ahead of time to the admissions office or relevant department to ask about class shadowing or meetings. Make sure to collect contact information from everyone you speak with, just in case you have follow-up questions or, if nothing else, so you can give them a shout-out in your essays. Take detailed notes—unique programs, memorable student quotes, or even little things like a quirky campus tradition can make your “Why Us?” essay stand out with authenticity.
Ask around
Current students at a school are the most valuable resource you have to see if a college is a good fit. While it can be awkward to strike up a conversation with a stranger, most students are happy to share their experiences if you approach them under the right circumstances. I recommend looking for friendly-looking folks who don’t seem to be actively studying or concentrating, wearing headphones, or hurrying off to class. Once you’ve found someone who seems approachable, you can ask them questions such as:
What are you majoring in? How is the workload for your major, and how does it compare to the workload for some of your friends’ majors?
What is your favorite school tradition? How would you describe the social scene?
What’s something that surprised you about the school once you enrolled?
What’s your relationship like with your professors? Do they know your name? Do you feel supported?
How are the dormitories? Which cafeteria has the best food?
What advice would you give to someone applying for freshman admission?
In retrospect, why are you glad that you chose this school?
If you could go back in time, would you still enroll in this school?
Be thorough
Have a look at all the facilities– the classrooms, lecture halls, and student union; the libraries and cafeterias; the dormitories and study lounges; the gyms and bookstores… you get the idea. But remember, a college experience extends beyond the campus. Have a look at the surrounding town or city to get an idea of how students live outside of the classroom. If the campus is a standalone type of place in a rural area, determine whether this is going to work for your personality.
Have fun
Don’t forget to get amped! College visits aren’t a chore. In a sense, they’re like auditions, or trying on different outfits in a dressing room. Whether it’s a good fit or not, the insight will be valuable, the experience will be new and refreshing, and you’ll learn something about yourself by the end of the day. Take pictures, take notes, and have a great time!
Post-Visit Tip: As soon as you get home (or in the car on the way back), jot down your thoughts while they’re fresh. What stood out? What did you like or dislike? Would you be excited to apply?
Can’t make it in person? Many colleges offer virtual tours, student panels, and even live Zoom info sessions. If you're visiting virtually, follow the same principles: take notes, ask questions, and be intentional.