How to Prepare for Your College Tour and Visit

If you’re like many of us back when we were in high school, you've likely been counting the days to graduate and finally set foot on a college campus. From the freedom and independence to enjoy a new place, the excitement of pursuing majors and projects that finally interest you, or everything in between, college is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that students like you very much look forward to.

That said, college visits are not just reasons to travel (though they can certainly feel like mini-vacations); they also provide opportunities to find what matters most to you in your higher education journey. From exploring university courtyards to experiencing firsthand just how large a lecture hall really is, college visits are sometimes overlooked, yet are beneficial for the overall college admissions process. If you’re wanting to narrow down your list of schools or feel certain that your top choice is the “one,” making the most of your college visits can really simplify and enhance your college application journey.

In this guide, we're exploring all things college visits! We've gathered exciting tips and actionable information to prepare you for your campus tours and help you and your family get the most out of this experience. Let’s jump right in!

Before we start, you may be wondering, “What exactly makes up a college visit, and why should it matter to you?” 

College visits are an excellent opportunity to explore campuses in person and gain insight into what college life is like. Students and their families can take guided tours, explore dorms, dining halls, and facilities, and discover all the amenities available to them on campus. It's a window into a world you might not be able to experience from home, and a chance to learn more about what you can expect from your time at a particular school.

There are different types of college visits:

• Campus Tours: Led by current students.
• Information Sessions: Led by admissions officers.
• Department-specific visits: Focused on your academic interests.
• Overnight stays: For admitted students to get an immersive experience.

Be sure to conduct thorough research and take the time to understand the format, so you can prepare accordingly. Each will have its activities and durations, so keep this in mind when making the choice that’s right for you and your schedule.

Also, don't think college visits are all about the campus itself; many of them also involve time spent in the town surrounding it and getting familiar with where you'll be living for the next four years. Every college town has its character and atmosphere, so experiencing it by hanging out outside of campus life can show you how you may have fun outside of class with friends, roommates, or classmates. Most university towns have excellent food, activities, and unique features that make them stand out, so take a walk around and explore places that you'd like to spend your time in.

Attending college visits can actually impact your chances of acceptance. 

Demonstrated interest, especially for schools that prioritize it, is a crucial aspect of the college application process. By taking intentional initiative to get to know the university, you get to showcase your genuine interest and enthusiasm. However, it’s important to note that not all schools prioritize demonstrated interest in their decision-making process. Be sure to thoroughly research and create a well-rounded profile to increase your chances of being admitted.

In this video, you can hear directly from a former Brown University admissions officer about what steps you can take to make a positive impression.

Furthermore, college visits can also impact your chances of acceptance by providing quality content for your personal statements. You can think about some things that you discovered during your trip to college and how you can apply them when you are at the university, for example, how you intend to make a difference on campus, and how you intend to maximize your experience in and out of the classroom. This can help show admissions officers why you are an excellent fit for a particular major or program and how you’ll use your time wisely as you journey through your degree at their institution.

Many colleges will host fun events for prospective students and their families, including days to meet current students and faculty, learn more about the different clubs and organizations on campus, and much more. Universities also offer guided tours, where they show you around the different areas of campus and share fun facts, interesting stories, and provide an awesome insight into what it's actually like to live and experience the particular college.

Depending on the time of year you choose to visit, you can also sit in on a class that interests you to get more of a feel for what it’s like academically, if you like the class sizes or not, and what it is like as a student here. It’s true when they say college is a different beast than what you might be used to during your high school years, so being able to see ahead of the first day of school can help you properly prepare yourself for what’s to come.

One of our top tips for making the most of your college visit is to speak with as many people as possible and ask questions. From students to faculty to admissions officers (if possible), learning from people who live and work on campus will give you insights no brochure or website can. Students, in particular, learn and grow during their time attending the institution and can make their college experience what they want, and therefore are an excellent source of information and can even help you see what you want to get out of your own experience. Make sure to take notes!

Not sure what to ask? This video from an Empowerly expert gives you 5 questions to jump-start your list.

Coming prepared means you have everything you need to stay focused and fully absorb the experience. Here are some things we recommend packing for your trip:

• Professional attire with removable layers
• Walking shoes
• Comfortable bag or pack
• Bottled water
• Protein-packed snack
• Note-taking materials
• List of questions to ask
• Cell phone and/or camera
• Mobile charger
• Printed itinerary with tour confirmations and admissions contact info
• Other:  ____________

Depending on when you visit, you may also need sun protection, snow gear, or other extras. Be sure to check the weather and pack accordingly!

Good preparation is the difference between an okay college visit and one that provides you with real clarity on your future. Here's how to prepare yourself for success:

Before visiting a college campus, take some time to think about what you're looking for in your college experience. Do you prefer smaller, more intimate settings with professors who know your name, or larger, more individual-based environments? Are you more interested in research or learning through hands-on experiences? Do you thrive in a lively campus setting with an active social scene, or do you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere? Considering these factors before starting your college tour will help you focus on what's most important to you and make the most of your time and energy.

Attending university student visit days is highly recommended, especially during the summer when many schools host significant events just for prospective students. Some schools, like the University of Pittsburgh, offer one-day intensive experiences that let you explore specific academic departments, meet with professors and current students, and get a thorough look at campus life all in one go.

Be sure to create a list of 5–7 meaningful questions before your visit! Ask about housing, major requirements, academic support, and campus culture. Great questions = great impressions.

Another tip we have for you is to research each school thoroughly before visiting and create a prioritized list of what matters most to you. This list should include factors such as:

• Specific majors offered
• Research opportunities 
• Study abroad experiences 
• Internship placement rates 
• Campus security measures 
• Diversity and inclusion initiatives
• Career Services support

Keeping these priorities in mind will enable you to ask more focused questions and compare each school more effectively.

Don't just stick to the official tour route! Try to take time to into residence halls to get a sense of where you might be living, eat at different dining locations on campus (think about it, food has the power to make you happier day-to-day more than you know!), visit the library during late-night studying hours, and walk around the surrounding neighborhood to understand the broader community that you'd be joining. These will allow you to see what life is going to be like both inside and outside of your long study hours, days in the classroom, and nights out with friends!

Finally, after each visit, take a few minutes to jot down your first impressions before they fade away. Note what excited you, what confused you, particular conversations that struck you, and the overall vibe the campus inspired. You'll refer back to these notes repeatedly when making comparisons months later, and they'll provide excellent material for your application essays.

Additionally, be sure to ask plenty of questions during your visit. This is a valuable time to gather unique perspectives that you won’t find elsewhere, so pose as many questions as you can and jot down your insights as you progress through your campus tour. Are there any student stories that have resonated with you? Write them down. Are there clubs that are drawing you in? Write that down. Are there programs you’ve come across that you’ve never heard of before but find intriguing? Write it down. All of these insights are valuable for your decision-making process when it comes to accepting your admission offers or considering whether to apply to that particular university.

Not a natural note-taker? Steal our template!

College visits can be tough to pull off sometimes! Traveling can be costly, and taking time off from school or work isn't always easy, especially with our busy everyday lives. Although it can be hard to step away and go on an adventure, there are still plenty of ways to get valuable insights without being there in person.

For example, virtual tours are an excellent way to explore a school without physically visiting the campus. As a result of the 2020 pandemic, many universities had to get creative to enable students to tour their campuses. In response, they began offering comprehensive and interactive virtual tours that went beyond basic photo galleries, since students were unable to travel at the time. When digitally exploring your college campus of interest, look for virtual tours that include live Q&A sessions with current students, virtual information sessions with admissions officers, and online presentations from specific departments!

Here’s a great example of a walking tour of the UC Berkeley campus:

Another interesting yet helpful tool that can provide much assistance in the process is social media! While we often use it as a place to connect with friends and family and watch a lot of cat videos too, colleges are also on there, showcasing a more informal yet excellent lens into their campus culture and community. Follow the official school accounts, but also search for current student accounts, campus organization pages, and location tags to see what students are posting about their daily experiences.

Can’t visit? Try reaching out to your regional admissions officer—they often visit high schools or attend local college fairs. Making a connection can help you stand out while still demonstrating genuine interest.

College visits are one of the most exciting parts of the college admissions process. They're your chance to envision your future, connect with new peers and experts in majors and projects you’re interested in, and make an informed decision about this huge next step in your life. Whether you're able to visit every school in person or need to get creative with virtual alternatives, this time should help you discover what you are looking for in a school and help drive you in your college applications as well.

Your perfect college fit is out there waiting for you, and these visits are simply your way of discovering it. So pack your bags, grab some comfortable shoes, prepare those thoughtful questions, and get ready to connect with the campus that will become your home away from home. The adventure starts now!

Looking for more advice? Here’s a quick video primer from an Empowerly student on what NOT to do at your college visits!

Our team of college admissions experts spends 25x more time with students than the average high school counselor, and 99% of the Class of 2024 were accepted into the top 100 US colleges. We’re here to help you prepare for your best college visit yet and get you in the best place for acceptance into your top-choice school. No matter what you need, from college list planning, internship support, academic planning, and more, Empowerly’s got your back!