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My clients are sometimes surprised to learn that I’m out of office so much. I spend about 20% of my time on the road paying personal visits to college campuses around the country.
Want to learn more about how these visits can help you choose the right college? Have a look!
Read more Great College Advice on how to get the most of your college visits:
What Should Students Do During a Campus Visit to Get the Most Out of It?
The official tour and information session are just the starting point. The most valuable part of a campus visit is everything you do beyond the guided experience. Here’s what Great College Advice’s expert counselors recommend:
- Explore independently. Sarah Myers encourages students to walk around campus on their own: “The student should go on their own and walk around campus without the parents. You’re usually completely welcome, it’s safe, and sometimes you’ll just blend in as another student. Sit on a bench or outside a building and be a quiet observer—do people watching, listen to what students are talking about.”
- Eat in the dining hall. This is one of the best places to observe authentic student culture. Listen to what students discuss, see how they interact, and get a real sense of the social atmosphere.
- Peek into academic buildings. Walk through the hallways of departments in your area of interest. See what students are doing in labs, study rooms, and common areas. This is absolutely okay to do and gives you a window into everyday academic life.
- Explore the surrounding town. Myers emphasizes that “spending time in the surrounding town is important—to see what it would be like there, including understanding the prices of things.” The town is where students spend a significant amount of their time outside of classes, so it’s a key part of the college experience.
- Assess mental health support. Sarah Myers, who has a background in mental health, recommends that families investigate counseling resources: “Are there long waits for an appointment with a counselor? Do they have a 24-hour phone line? How many mental health providers are on campus? Can you get medications on campus or do they have to be mailed somewhere else?” These practical details matter enormously for the reality of college life.
- Follow up afterward. A thank-you note after a campus visit or interview is a powerful and often overlooked form of demonstrated interest. The Great College Advice Family Handbook notes that “sometimes the best demonstrated interest is through conversations that show the student is truly engaged in the process.”
Plan Your College Visits with an Expert by Your Side
At Great College Advice, our team of six expert counselors brings over 100 years of combined experience to help students and families navigate every step of the college admissions process—from strategic campus visit planning to crafting winning applications.
Whether you’re a sophomore beginning your college search or a senior making your final decision, our personalized guidance ensures you find schools where you’ll truly thrive. Learn more about how we can help your family on a complimentary call.
