College visits are not just a milestone on the road to admissions.
Done right, they’re a powerful research and decision-making tool to help students understand what kind of environment is right for them and what they need to thrive. This understanding is key. Because the more a student understands why they belong somewhere, the more they can fine-tune their college list, and the more their applications will organically stand out.
95% of our students get into a top choice school thanks in no small part to this strategic, whole-student approach.
So read on for an inside look at how we answer our clients’ biggest questions around college visits.
When is the best time to start visiting colleges?
Earlier than you think! Many families wait until junior year, but starting in 9th or 10th grade (or even middle school!) can be a game-changer. Early, low-stakes visits to schools in driving distance help students:
✔ Understand the different college environments available
✔ Start developing a sense of what they want in a school
✔ Reduce stress when it’s time to build their college list
These early visits don’t need to be formal. Checking out a local college—even one your child would never attend—can help them understand differences in size, location, and culture before high-stakes decision-making begins.
How do we schedule a college visit?
Most colleges allow you to book tours online through their admissions website. This typically includes options for official campus tours and information sessions. Some schools even offer optional extras like class sit-ins, meetings with professors, or overnight stays for admitted students.
Many campuses are also open to the public for self-guided tours. However, access policies can vary, so it’s best to check the specific college’s website for visitor information.
Can we visit colleges on weekends or holidays?
While some colleges offer weekend and summer tours, visiting on weekdays during the semester provides a more authentic experience of campus life — which is essential to gauging whether the school is a culture-fit for your kid. Always verify tour availability and campus access guidelines before planning your visit.
What questions should we ask during the visit?
Your child will likely be focused on the vibe. You need to get the real info. Ask about:✔ Academics – “How easy is it to get into the classes you want?”
✔ Campus Life – “What do students do on weekends?”
✔ Support Systems – “What resources exist for mental health or career planning?”
✔ Housing & Logistics – “What’s guaranteed housing like, and how hard is it to find off-campus options?”
✔ Retention & Outcomes – “How many students stay after freshman year? Where do graduates typically go next?”
Should parents go on the college visit, or let kids tour alone?
Parents should go—but be mindful of your role. Your job isn’t to sell the school; it’s to help your child gather real information and ask questions they might not think of.
That said, some schools offer “parent sessions” while students tour separately with student guides. If that’s an option, take it! It allows students to form their own impressions without the added pressure of parental opinions.
What should we look for during the visit?
Beyond the tour, pay attention to:
✔ How students interact – Do they look engaged? Do they seem happy?
✔ Bulletin boards & event postings – What’s happening on campus? Does it align with your kid’ interests?
✔ Dining halls & dorms – Would your child feel comfortable here? How is the food quality? Sit down for a meal at the dining hall if you can.
✔ Classroom energy – If possible, arrange for your kid to sit in on a class. Ask them about it afterwards: was it discussion-based? Were students paying attention?
✔ Campus logistics — How spread-out are the facilities? How easy or hard would it be for your kid to get from one place to another, and how comfortable are they managing complexity?
✔ Off-campus surroundings & safety – Are the surrounding areas well-lit and populated? What safety resources are available on campus?
How much do college visits cost?
Between travel, lodging, and food, college visits can add up — particularly if they involve flying across the country. For out-of-region trips, families might spend approximately $500 per college visit, covering travel, accommodation, and meals.
Here are a few recommendations to be strategic with your budget:
✔Look for local college fairs to scout options and ask the reps your biggest questions.
✔ Visit multiple schools in one trip to save on costs. Many families will do a New England trip, a Southeast trip, or a California trip depending on what region their kid is most interested in.
✔ Visit local/regional schools, or fold visits into family trips whenever possible. You can use them as a benchmark to compare to schools of similar size, culture, or campus-style.
✔ If travel isn’t feasible, take advantage of free online tours, social media, and virtual info sessions to help narrow down the schools you really want to visit.
✔ If some schools fit the criteria you know your kid wants, but are across the country and travel time is tight, you may even save some visits for after admission.
What if we can’t visit every school?
That’s okay! You can still gather key insights remotely. Here’s how:
- Virtual Tours & Webinars – Most schools offer these on their website.
- YouTube & Social Media – Look for student vlogs and day-in-the-life videos to help you narrow down your options.
- Reddit & Student Forums – Unfiltered student opinions can reveal what life is really like.
- Admissions Office Connections – Even without a visit, attending an info session or contacting admissions can signal interest.
Do college visits impact admissions chances?
For some schools, yes. Many colleges track “demonstrated interest,” meaning they note whether you’ve:
✔ Take an official campus tour
✔ Attended a virtual event or webinar
✔ Opened emails from the admissions office
✔ Engaged with admissions reps at college fairs
This doesn’t mean you have to visit every school, but it does mean that if your student is serious about a college, it’s worth finding ways to engage beyond just applying.
Final Takeaway: Before You Go, Know Your Strategy
Most families approach visits without a clear plan, because no one teaches you how they fit into your overall admissions strategy, or what attributes will determine whether your kid sinks or swims.
If you really want to help your kid improve their candidacy and get into the right school for them, watch this free masterclass:
The Insider’s Guide to College Visits: What Parents Must Know
You’ll learn:
- The 3 types of college visits every family should plan for
- How to go beyond the tour & uncover what schools won’t say
- The key indicators of a strong academic, social & cultural fit
- What questions you should be asking and when to ask them
- What to do if your dream school is across the country
