Campus Visit Checklist

Visiting campus is an important part of your college research. Visits offer a firsthand glimpse of what being a student on campus might be like. You have an opportunity to tour with a student guide, see where you will live and most importantly visit classes; meet faculty and talk with current students.
Make the most of your visit to campus with a plan and a check list.

When to Visit

College campuses are available for visits nearly 365 days a year, but just because a campus is available doesn't mean you should just pop over and walk around. With a little bit of planning you can maximize your visit. Seeing what a campus is like when it is busy with activity will give you the best sense of what a particular camps can offer.

It's not uncommon to plan a summer trip to include college visits, and obviously, if this is when your vacation plans allow a visit, then this is when you will go! However, keep in mind that while a summer visit will certainly be beautiful, you won't see many students or have a chance to sit in on a class. You'll have a great tour with an enthusiastic guide but will miss seeing what campus is like with student activity. A good thing to remember is a large, state, flagship university will feel the same from state to state, so if you can get to yours easily, add this to your list

The ideal time to plan your visit to campus is in the fall and spring. A trip to a nearby campus over a long weekend in the fall can be a great time to get a feel for college life. Many families are able to plan more extensive college visits during spring break of junior year. Tours can be scheduled on college websites and students with a particular interest area can arrange meetings with professors or other people on campus. While it is not required to visit colleges before you apply, it is always a good way to demonstrate interest.

How to Plan a Visit

Visiting campus can take up to four hours. Student lead tours will include visits to the important areas of campus (classrooms, residence halls, dining halls and recreation facilities) because campuses are made for walking, you will get a thorough tour of campus as well! Try to include enough time to visit the area around campus. Grabbing a bite to eat or a cup of coffee where the students go can give you a broader perspective of campus life and the student body. Before your visit, do some research. If you think you will want to meet with a professor or coach, be sure to schedule these appointments before you arrive on campus. Arrive on time and be prepared for the elements. The tours take place rain, shine, sleet or snow!

What to do When you Visit

Each college organizes a visit day differently, but your number one priority on visit day is to take the campus tour! Most schools include an information session with students and administrators who will give a presentation about the school, the opportunities that await you once you become a student, some fun traditions and history, and an opportunity to ask questions. Some schools also offer an opportunity to learn about financial aid and scholarships. This can be a great way to get information and have some time with the financial aid professionals. If this is important to you, don't skip this!

During the tour, ask questions! This is the time to learn as much as you can about your potential new home. Remember that your tour guide has no input into admissions decisions so don't monopolize the tour, be respectful and interested. While you are walking campus, focus on the people and places you visit. If you feel comfortable, talk to students and professors. Have a meal in a dining hall or around campus. Be sure to save time for a tour of the town or area surrounding campus. Take notes and pictures, after a while all the tours will blend together. It's nice to have some notes to look back on when you begin your application.

After the Visit

Write a thank you note.
Yes.
Write a thank you note.

We've never met an admission rep who doesn't love to receive a thank you note from a prospective student. If you can write an old school note, great. But an email thank you is also really appreciated.

My College Visits

Campus Visit Checklist