Choosing when and how to visit college campuses can significantly impact your college decision-making process. While
researching online provides useful insights, nothing compares to experiencing a campus firsthand.
However, many students and families struggle with when to start visits, how many schools to see, and whether virtual tours should come first. The key is to approach college visits strategically—balancing timing, priorities, and personal preferences. By planning ahead and knowing what to look for, you can make the most of each visit and confidently
choose the right school.
When to Begin College Visits
Sophomore Year
While it might seem early, sophomore year is a great time to start thinking about college visits. If you have a general idea of what you’re looking for, take a few low-stakes visits to nearby campuses.
This will help you get a sense of
different college environments - large universities versus small liberal arts schools, urban versus rural settings, etc. These early visits can give you an idea of what factors are most important to you in your college search.
Junior Year
For most students, junior year is the ideal time to start serious college visits. By this time in high school, you have a better understanding of your academic strengths and
potential majors, which both make each visit more meaningful and purpose-driven.
Spring and summer before senior year are particularly popular times for visits since students have more flexibility in their schedules. Junior year visits allow you to narrow down your list before application season begins.
Senior Year
If you have not yet visited your
top-choice schools the fall of senior year is the time to do so. Many students also revisit their top contenders after acceptance letters arrive in the spring to help make a final decision.
Schools often host admitted student days, which offer a deeper look at life on campus. This also allows prospective students to engage with faculty, future classmates, and current students.
Which Colleges to Visit
It’s impossible to visit every school you’re considering, so prioritizing your visits strategically is key.
Top Choices
These are the schools you’re most excited about and can truly see yourself attending in the future. If possible,
visit these in person to get a firsthand feel for the campus environment, student life, and overall vibe. Walking through campus, sitting in on a class, or even chatting with current students can provide a clearer picture of whether it’s the right place for you.
Target Schools
These are institutions where your academic profile aligns well with admission criteria. Some of these schools may be within easy traveling distance, while others may be farther away. If a school is geographically accessible, visiting in person is beneficial, but if distance is an issue, a virtual tour combined with researching student reviews and online resources can be a practical alternative.
Safety Schools
While it’s tempting to skip visits to safety schools, it’s important to ensure you would be comfortable attending any school you apply to. A school that seems like a backup on paper might surprise you in person with its programs, campus feel, or extracurricular offerings. Consider visiting at least one or two of your safety schools to confirm they meet your expectations.
Virtual vs. In-Person Visits
Before committing to in-person visits,
consider starting with virtual tours. Many colleges offer online tours, student panels, and Q&A sessions that provide a solid introduction to the school.
Virtual tours are particularly helpful for schools that may be far away or financially difficult to visit. Once you’ve narrowed down your top choices, in-person visits can provide a deeper understanding of the campus culture.
Should You Visit Before or After Making a College List?
The answer is actually both.
Before Visits
Have a preliminary list based on your research, interests, and academic profile. This helps you know where to focus your energy in terms of visits.
It also ensures that you only spend time visiting the schools that match your goals. Look at factors like program strengths, location, size, and campus culture to
create a well-rounded list of potential schools.
After Visits
Revise your list based on your visits. The impression a school gives you as well as the energy on campus can change how you feel. Sometimes, a school that looked great on paper may not feel right in person, while another may surprise you in a positive way.
Take detailed notes or make observations on each visit and reflect on aspects like student interactions, campus atmosphere, and available resources. Eliminating schools that don’t meet your expectations and adding new ones based on your experiences will help refine your final list before applications.
Best Time of Year to Visit College Campuses
Spring
One of the best times to visit is during the spring semester, particularly in junior year. Since classes are in session, you’ll get a
realistic glimpse of daily campus life, student engagement, and classroom dynamics. You’ll see students studying in libraries, attending lectures, and participating in campus events.
Spring also offers a good balance of pleasant weather and a fully functioning campus, allowing you to explore both indoor and outdoor spaces comfortably. However, keep in mind that spring can be a busy time for high school students due to testing and extracurricular commitments, so plan accordingly.
Summer
Summer visits can be easier to schedule since students have more free time, but they may not provide the best representation of what campus life is truly like. Many students and faculty members are away, and some campus facilities or dining halls may operate on a limited schedule.
However, summer tours still offer the chance to explore the physical layout of the campus, tour dorms, and meet with admissions counselors. If visiting during the summer, try to supplement your visit by attending virtual student panels or watching recordings of classes to get a better sense of the academic and social environment.
Fall
Visiting a campus in the fall, especially during senior year, allows you to experience the energy of a fully active student body. Classes are in full swing, extracurricular activities are running, and you’ll get a true sense of the community. Many colleges also host open houses or special visit days during this time, which often include faculty meet-and-greets, student panels, and even the opportunity to sit in on classes.
If you’re
applying to a school early decision or early action, a fall visit can also serve as a final confirmation before submitting your application. Keep in mind that fall can be a busy time for travel, so booking accommodations and tour slots early is a good idea.
What to Ask on a College Tour
When visiting a college, it’s important to
ask the right questions to gather valuable insights. Here are some key areas to focus on and some questions to get you going.
Academics
• What are the most popular majors?
• How accessible are professors outside of class?
• What resources are available for academic support?
• What is the student-to-faculty ratio?
• Are there research opportunities for undergraduates?
Student Life
• What clubs and organizations are most active?
• What is the campus culture like?
• What do students typically do on weekends?
• How diverse and inclusive is the student body?
• What traditions or events are unique to the school?
Housing and Campus Facilities
• What are the dorms like for freshmen?
• How easy is it to get housing after the first year?
• What dining options are available on and off-campus?
• How are the campus safety measures?
• What are the recreational and fitness facilities like?
Career and Internship Opportunities
• What kind of career services does the college offer?
• How easy is it to find internships?
• What percentage of graduates find jobs in their field?
• Are there strong alumni networks that help with job placement?
• Does the school have partnerships with any major employers?
Financial Aid and Scholarships
• What percentage of students receive financial aid?
• How much does the average student receive in financial aid per year?
• Are there merit-based scholarships available?
• How does the school support students in finding outside scholarships?
Final Thoughts
Visiting college campuses is an essential step in
finding the right school for you. Starting early, prioritizing in-person visits to your top choices, and asking insightful questions can help you make informed decisions.
Whether you’re exploring your first campus or making a final choice, each visit brings you closer to finding the college that best aligns with your goals and aspirations.
