Visiting a college campus is one of the most exciting steps in choosing a college. If possible, it’s best to visit colleges before your applications are due. That way, you can be confident you'd be happy at any of the colleges you’re applying to.
It’s also best to go is when the college is in session. That way, you’ll get to see it when classes are meeting and day-to-day activities are taking place.
Below are some guidelines on when to visit. Plan your visit well ahead of time, so you can make sure that you see what you need to see and meet with the people who can tell you what you need to know.
During the Week
Mondays through Thursdays are ideal for visits since campuses are generally in full swing. Visiting on a Friday may not be as practical, as students, faculty and staff might be busy with social activities starting Friday afternoon.
High school holidays that fall on Mondays are often great opportunities for making college visits. Many colleges are in session on these days — and you won’t be missing any of your high school classes.
The Best Seasons
The late summer and early September before senior year are convenient times to visit, since many colleges begin their fall semester as early as mid-August.
The spring of junior year is a good time if you’ve already researched colleges. Spring break is also good if you play fall sports or are considering applying under early action or early decision plans, which usually have application deadlines in November of senior year.
It may be more useful for seniors to wait until the fall through winter to make their visits. That timing can help seniors narrow college lists.
Many colleges invite their accepted candidates to spend a few days on campus before the May 1 reply date to encourage them to enroll. This is a good opportunity to make some in-depth comparisons between the colleges that have accepted you.
However, if you're planning to wait to visit colleges until after you've received acceptances, keep in mind that you may have only a few weeks to visit and make your decision. Most colleges don't mail acceptance letters before April, and the standard reply date is May 1.
Check specific dates with each college so you don't arrive when the campus is deserted. Call the college or look on the college’s website for the academic calendar to find out when breaks, reading periods and exam periods are scheduled.
Colleges are not in session during:
Thanksgiving weekend
Christmas week
Winter and spring breaks
Summer, unless there is a summer session
College classes don’t meet during:
Reading period
Exam weeks
Saturdays and Sundays
The admission office may be closed to visitors at certain times. For example, admission officers may be too busy to meet with you in May and April — that’s when they’re reviewing applications. Check with the college.
What questions should I ask on my campus tour?
Chances are good your tour guide will be a college student, so this is a perfect opportunity for you to hear what they think about their college. Remember, they were chosen or hired to do that job, so there will be things they’re probably not supposed to say, and they’re almost assuredly going to be positive about the school. But if you ask their opinion, you’re likely to get it. Be sure to ask open-ended questions so they’ll have to elaborate on their answer. You’re not going to have time to (and you probably won’t want to) ask all of the following questions, but here are some ideas…
Why did you choose to go to school here?
What do you like most about it?
Do students hang around campus on weekends or do they go home? What do they do when they’re here?
What are the professors like? Are they available to students?
Do you feel safe here? What about walking on campus after dark?
What majors is this school known for?
Do you work during the school year? How much? Where?
How tough is it to get a scholarship to attend school here?
Do freshmen live on campus? Where?
What are the biggest activities or events on campus in a year?
Where do the students go to eat in town?
If you visit with an admission counselor, advisor, professor, or other employee, there will be several questions you could ask. Here are a few suggestions:
Where do I stand with regard to admission? (if you’re visiting before Senior year, you want to know if you meet the requirements, during Senior year, you want to know the status of your application)
Where do I stand with regard to scholarships? (same as above, but you want to know what you qualify for or what GPA and ACT/SAT you need to qualify)
When are the appropriate application deadlines? (if you’re an underclassman) What is my next step if I’m serious about attending college here? (if you’re a senior)
When will I know what financial aid I’ve been offered?
What is unique or exceptional about the program in my major?
How does the college help put students in the best possible position in the job marked after graduation?
If I were to have academic difficulties while attending school here, what resources are available to help me?
What kind of career services are available to help me get a job while I’m in school and after graduation?