One of the most daunting parts of the college admissions process is not writing the essay, filling out the Common Application, or even creating the initial list of colleges. For many students, the hardest step is researching colleges well enough to narrow the list down to 8–12 schools that truly fit academically, socially, and financially.

Visiting a college campus in person is widely considered one of the best and easiest ways to research a school. It allows students to move beyond fancy brochures and websites to experience the campus “vibe” and “fit” firsthand. A campus visit can make college feel much less intimidating.

In my experience, students rarely regret going on college tours -  you never want your child to say: “I wish I had toured more schools.”

That said, many students avoid visiting campuses. Sometimes it’s because they don’t want to face the reality of college. Other times it feels easier to do research from their bedroom through a virtual tour. For some students, walking around an unfamiliar campus with strangers can feel overwhelming. And for many busy high school students, it simply feels like they don’t have the time.

While it’s true that not every college can be visited in person - distance, schedules, and cost can make that difficult -students should still try to visit at least a few campuses. Even a small number of visits can make a big difference in helping students understand what type of college environment feels right. In my experience once the student starts visiting colleges - everything starts to change! 

Whether researching a college in person or virtually, students need to focus on the same questions:  What does the campus  look like? What academic programs are offered? What is the overall campus vibe? Do the students feel like “your people”? Does the school offer merit scholarships or primarily need-based aid? And what type of student is the college looking for?

An in person visit makes it much easier to answer these questions.

Students can explore academic buildings, tour residence halls, and sometimes even sit in on a class. Information sessions provide insight into what admissions offices value, such as GPA, course rigor, extracurricular involvement, and preparation for specific majors like engineering, business, or nursing.

One of the most important parts of a campus visit is simply observing student life. Are students studying on the quad? Playing frisbee? Walking together to class? These everyday moments help students sense whether they would feel comfortable there.

Social fit matters more than many students realize. In fact, the number one reason students transfer colleges is social fit - not academic fit.

The dining hall can also be surprisingly revealing. Recently, I visited Xavier University in Ohio. I loved the school. One of my favorite parts of the visit was simply sitting in the dining hall and watching students interact. Groups of students were laughing, talking, and eating together- students from all different backgrounds. The atmosphere felt warm, friendly, and welcoming.

Campus visits also give students a chance to explore the surrounding area. Many students enjoy having restaurants, coffee shops, or outdoor spaces nearby. Seeing the surrounding town or city helps students imagine what life might look like outside the classroom.

Another benefit of visiting campuses is efficiency. One visit can quickly clarify what a student does - or does not - want in a college. For example, if a student visits a large city university like Boston University and realizes they would prefer a contained traditional campus - they can likely cross other similar city campuses off their list. On the other hand, they may discover they love the energy of a city campus.

While virtual research can still be helpful through college websites, student reviews, YouTube tours, and virtual campus tours - it often requires visiting multiple sources to gather the same information that can be experienced in a single campus visit.

If possible, one of the greatest gifts a parent, guardian, or older sibling can give a student during the college process is the opportunity to experience a campus in person.

Seeing a college firsthand can bring clarity, confidence, and excitement to the journey ahead.

Good luck and enjoy the journey!   

College 101 Admissions Consultants LLC. Website: www.mycollege101.com.  Email: [email protected]. Phone: 508-380-3845.

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