Top Tips to Make the Most of Campus Visits
Plan your campus visit well in advance and be prepared to ask lots of questions.
Last week I wrote a post about the importance of attending Orientation. Thousands of first-year students will be flocking to campuses over the summer months in order register for classes, get acquainted with their new school and traditions, and basically start revving up to transition to their new homes.
Today I’m going to focus on a different reason behind hundreds of thousands of high school students and their families descending on college campuses - campus visits.
It probably comes as no surprise that colleges host all kinds of visits and info sessions, both in-person and virtual. In fact, some of my clients are on campus visits this week and I can’t wait to hear from them about how it’s going! I remember when I did my visit to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Not only did I do a LOT of walking (it’s a big campus), but I also met with a professor in the mechanical engineering department. This is because back then I was interested in robotics (ahem, a lot has changed since then).
But I digress.
Back to campus visits and you. Campus visits are usually hosted through a school’s admissions office and often feature current students as the headliners. These current students will take you for a campus tour and answer your questions. Not sure where to start? I suggest searching for “<name of school> campus tours for new students.” It should be evident what you need to do.
Here are some tips to make the most of your visit.
Plan ahead: Most schools will want you to register for their sessions. This gives them an opportunity to prepare materials for you and make sure they are ready for you and your family. Research the colleges you plan to visit and make a schedule for your trip. Note the dates, times, and locations of tours, information sessions, and any other events you want to attend. I suggest spending a half day, depending on the size of the campus, so you can really get to know it beyond the campus tour and info session.
Do your own research before attending: Information sessions provide valuable insights about the college, its programs, admission process, financial aid, and campus life. Take notes and ask questions to clarify any doubts you may have. But they are designed to do everything possible to “wow” you with the campus and the programs. Is there a brand new residence hall? They will probably show you that one and may leave out an older traditional style hall (which costs MUCH less). Do your research by exploring the school’s website and go to the student newspaper. Trust me, the student newspaper will give you a good idea of the pulse on campus. The Independent is the student newspaper at Fort Lewis College, and I worked with Indy students for years. Connect with alumni groups on Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media. Alumni usually love to talk about their alma mater and answer questions.
During the pandemic, colleges discovered that they really had to enhance the way they could make their campus visits more accessible. Travel was reduced and many campuses were closed to the public. So they figured out that virtual campus tours and visits would be an ideal way to continue to connect with prospective students and families. One resource to find numerous virtual campus tours is through CampusTours. You can search for information by state, school, or country. Virtual campus tours are a great way for you to learn a bit about a college from the comfort of your home. Let’s face it, travel can be expensive. Start with some virtual tours and learn more before you hop in the car, jump on an airplane, or roll onto your skateboard.
Visit academic departments and specific faculty: If you have specific academic interests, schedule a meeting with professors or advisors in your intended field of study. They can provide detailed information about the curriculum, research opportunities, and career prospects. Faculty LOVE meeting with interested students and talking about their teaching and research. And who knows, that professor might have an opening in their lab and you could be the right person! Campus jobs come in all shapes and sizes. My wife, Crystal, had an early job on campus where she handled and fed raisins to chinchillas. True story!
Explore campus facilities: Take the time to explore facilities such as libraries, laboratories, sports complexes, residence halls (dorms), and student centers. Introduce yourself to students you see on campus and ask them where their favorite places are to study and hang out. Place is important, and these places will play a significant role in your college experience. Go beyond the campus tour and explore places that don’t seem “on the map”. One of my favorite places to study was a tiny room that overlooked Lake Mendota at UW-Madison, while most students where in the larger libraries with hundreds of other students.
I’ll add that this is a great time to visit other campus resources. Many campuses have various support centers. Are you a veteran? Find out if they have a veteran’s center and stop by to check it out. Do you identify in other ways? Perhaps you are Native American, LatinX, African American or Black, LGBTQ2+, Jewish, or other so many others. Find out if there is a particular resource center that you connect with. If you are neuro-divergent, have physical disabilities, or have other learning differences, then be sure to check out the campus’ disability or accessibility services center. Those are the people who will assist you with any accommodations you may need in order to achieve your goals.
Talk to current students: Engage with current students and ask them about their experiences. Go into a dining area on campus and listen to what is being talked about - and see how the food is! They can provide valuable insights into the social scene, extracurricular activities, and overall student life on campus. Your college experience is going to be about more than the classroom. If you are into social media, explore the different channels that students are using and find what what they are saying and asking.
You will probably be in a group with other prospective students and families. Make sure you can hear what is being said - especially important when you go outside for a walking tour with the student ambassador. Introduce yourself and ask questions - it matters! Admissions staff are taught to seek out the engaged students and remember who they are. This includes the student ambassadors so connect with them as much as you can.
Attend a class or lecture: This one may be difficult to accomplish, especially over the summer. But, If possible, sit in on a class or attend a lecture related to your interests. This gives you a firsthand experience of the teaching style and academic environment. But keep in mind that every professor and every class is going to have a different style. There’s just simply no way to correlate one class experience with another. Professors have considerable autonomy when it comes to teaching and research. Although attending a class is still important, don’t let one good or less-than-good experience completely sway your decision. You may connect with a specific chemistry professor or not. That’s going to happen - and it will happen throughout your life.
Explore the surrounding area: Colleges are connected to their communities. It’s difficult to think of the University of Notre Dame without thinking of South Bend, IN. Or how about the University of Oregon without Eugene? The relationship and dynamic between a school and the community is known as “town and gown” and the interaction between the academic institution and the local community is significant. Take a walk or drive around the surrounding neighborhood or town. Consider whether the location suits your preferences in terms of safety, amenities, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities. If you won’t have a vehicle then how is the public transportation and is it suitable for your needs? (hint: cars cost a lot of money. Try to use public transportation or carshare as much as possible.)
One of my clients wants a strong mountain biking culture and quick access to trails. Is a large, concrete metro campus going to be suitable? Hmm, maybe or maybe not.
Sample the food: The fact is that food is one of the top complaints made by many students. I get it. Some campuses have multiple places to eat while others may have one or just a few dining areas. Nutrition and food are important parts of our culture. Check out the dining options and make sure you see suitable options for your dietary needs and wants. I’ll also note that food is a considerable cost to your education. Whether you live on campus and eat in the dining hall or you live off campus and prepare your own food, food costs can be considerable. This is a good time for students to ask their parents how much the monthly food bill is, and watch their eyes when you give them the answer! Food plays a role in your daily life, so it's worth assessing the quality and variety of options.
Take notes and pictures: You are going to hear and see a lot. Don’t think you can remember everything about a particular school. Jot down your impressions, take pictures, or create a checklist of pros and cons for each college you visit. These notes will be helpful when comparing different schools later on. We tend to remember the most about our most recent experience, so make sure you are keeping notes so you can compare schools for when the time comes to finalize your college list.
Follow up with thank yous: Most schools will have an admissions counselor who focuses on your geographic region. Do everything you can to meet this person and get their business card! Is the director of admissions around? Introduce yourself to them and get their card, too! This should be a theme for you as you go through this process. Meet people - get business cards and contact information. You just never know who will end up becoming a key mentor for you throughout your career. After the visit, send a “thank you” email to any individuals you met or had meaningful conversations with. This gesture can help you establish connections and may be beneficial during the admission process.
Dr. Don Woolston ran the summer orientation and registration program (SOAR) for the College of Engineering at UW-Madison. I met him when I was a prospective student and later on he hired me as a student ambassador for SOAR. Years later he was influential in me getting my first job in higher education when I was hired to be an assistant director in career services. Then he helped get me connected with colleagues at the University of Cape Town in South Africa in order to create an international leadership program for the students I worked with. He has been a tremendous mentor over the years and it all started when we met during a campus visit.
My wife had a campus job where she handled and fed chinchillas. Not a bad way to earn some spending money. This is not an actual chinchilla she worked with. I just think they’re cute.
Ultimately, campus visits are a chance for you to assess whether a college is the right fit for you academically, socially, religiously, and personally. Trust your instincts, take your time, and make an informed decision based on your experiences and research.
Questions You May Want to Ask
When going on a campus tour, it's essential to ask questions that will help you understand the campus environment and get a sense of what it would be like to study and live there. Here are some questions to consider:
“Please tell me more about the academic support services available, such as tutoring or study groups?”
“How would you describe the campus culture or the overall vibe of the student body?”
“I’m really interested in <provide your own interest here.> How might someone like me find ways to get involved on campus?”
“Are there any unique traditions or events on campus that students look forward to?”
“How does the college support student well-being and mental health?”
“What are the options for on-campus housing, and what is the process for choosing roommates?”
“How suitable is housing for students if/when they decide to live off campus?”
“What types of meal plans are available, and how is the quality and variety of the food?”
“Can you describe the safety measures and security resources on campus?”
“How does the college promote diversity and inclusion? Are there any specific support services for underrepresented groups?”
“What internships, research opportunities, and life design/career services are available to help students with their post-graduation plans?”
“Are there any notable resources or facilities on campus that support specific academic or extracurricular interests (e.g., art studios, sports facilities, specialized libraries, honors programs)?”
“How would you describe the town and gown relationship that this school has with the community?
“Are there any notable guest speakers, lectures, or events that the college frequently hosts?”
“What transportation options are available for getting around campus and the surrounding area?”
“How does the college support students in their transition from high school to college?”
“What types of recreational facilities or outdoor spaces are available for students?”
“ What can you tell me about the career outcomes of graduates from this college?”
“Are there any particular challenges or opportunities that students face at this college?”
“What is your first-year retention rate? What are some common reasons why a student may drop out and not return to this particular school?”
Extra Credit: “Does your school participate in the National Survey on Student Engagement? How have you used this information to enhance the student experience?”
So there you go. Campus visits can be a great way for students and family members to get a sense of a particular school. I hope you will go into the experiences as an educated consumer so you can really learn about the things that matter most to you.
Have you been taking campus visits already? Did I miss any questions or anything you’d add to the list? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.
I empower college-curious and college-bound students and families with the knowledge, tools, and confidence for college success. I will guide you through the complexities of college admissions and beyond, so you can create your boundless life.
Have a question or comment? Please leave it in the comment section below or contact me at mark@mastalskicoaching.com.
There’s no one way to do college.
Be Boundless.
