Visiting colleges is one of the most exciting parts of the college search process! It is a student’s chance to explore campuses, get a feel for the community, and decide if a particular school is the right fit for you. But with so many schools to choose from, how do you create a plan to visit schools that makes the most sense? Building the perfect “must-see” list requires a balance of excitement and practicality.
Start With Your Priorities
Before you hit the road, take a moment to think about what’s most important to you in a college. Do you want to go to a large university, or are you more drawn to a smaller, close-knit community? Are academic programs your top priority, or are you looking for a campus with strong student life, sports, and extracurricular activities? Creating a list of priorities will help you determine which colleges should be at the top of your must-see list. Think about the following factors. Make sure you consider size, location, culture, academics, and student life.
Research Each College Thoroughly
Once you’ve narrowed down your options based on your priorities, it’s time to dig deeper into each college. Take the time to explore their websites, social media, and online reviews. Pay special attention to academic programs, campus facilities, student life, and campus location/safety.
Plan for a Campus Tour
No college visit is complete without a campus tour, but you’ll want to get more out of it than just a walk around campus. Here’s how to maximize your tour experience:
- Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to ask your tour guide about things that matter to you!
- Pay attention to details: Observe the atmosphere on campus. Are students engaged? Is the campus clean and well-maintained? Is the vibe what you expected?
- Take notes and photos: It’s easy to forget details after a few visits, so jot down your thoughts and take pictures of things you liked (or didn’t like). This will help you later when you’re comparing schools.
- Attend an info session: Many colleges offer information sessions that give more in-depth details about admissions, financial aid, and campus life. Try to attend one to get a fuller picture of what the school offers.
Check Out Academic Buildings
Academics are often a huge deciding factor, so it’s important to get a feel for the academic side of the college. Tour specific departments or buildings related to your major. If possible, meet with a professor or someone from the department you’re interested in to get a better sense of the academic culture and support offered. Don’t forget to observe the classroom environment. If it’s possible, sit in on a class or walk through academic buildings when they’re in session to see if the environment feels like a good fit for you.
Explore the Campus Outside of the Tour
College tours are great, but they don’t always show you everything. After the official tour, take time to explore campus on your own. Walk around the dorms, visit the dining hall, check out the library, and sit in the student lounge. This gives you a better sense of day-to-day life at the school. Also, try to check out the surrounding area. Are there cafes, shops, parks, or other activities nearby? What’s the neighborhood like? Getting a feel for the location outside of the campus can be just as important as what’s inside.
Attend an Event or Meet Current Students
Try to align your visit with a campus event. Events offer a great opportunity to see the campus in action and interact with current students. Talk to students who are already attending. Ask them about their experiences, what they love (and don’t love) about the school, and what day-to-day life is like. Hearing firsthand accounts from students can help you get a more authentic sense of the college experience.
Evaluate Housing and Dining Options
On-campus living and food can play a huge role in your overall college experience. Be sure to check out the dormitories, apartment-style living, or any other housing options available. Do they fit your lifestyle? Are the rooms clean, well-maintained, and equipped with what you need?
Building the perfect must-see list for your college visits isn’t about seeing every single school on your radar—it’s about focusing on those that align best with your priorities, values, and aspirations. Start with research, plan your visit around what’s most important to you, and make the most of each campus tour.
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