When it comes to finding the right college, nothing replaces the value of stepping onto a campus. Brochures, websites, and some rankings can be useful, but they cannot come close to capturing the feel of a place—the energy of student life, the tone of classroom conversations, or the rhythm of daily routines. Intuition tells all of us that seeing a campus in person is far more valuable than learning about it online, but too many families skip this critical step.
Please don’t misunderstand: you do not need to visit every college your teen is considering, but seeing and seriously considering several different types of campuses—large universities, small liberal arts colleges, urban settings, suburban settings, public, private—can make a world of difference in helping them discover what feels right. Those insights will ultimately guide your teen toward finding a college where they will thrive.
Summer Visits: A Hidden Opportunity
Summer visits sometimes feel less productive because most students are away, but with planning they can be extremely useful. Smaller tours allow families to ask more questions, connect more easily with admissions counselors, and often meet with faculty or coaches in areas of interest. It’s also a chance to explore the surrounding community—restaurants, coffee shops, and neighborhoods that shape student life. Taking notes and debriefing together afterward helps ensure impressions don’t blur as visits pile up.
Fall and Spring: A Fuller Picture
Of course, when school is in session, families gain a more authentic look at student culture. Fall open houses often showcase the best a college has to offer, while spring visits (especially junior year) help students begin narrowing their lists. Whenever possible, register your visit with the admissions office so it “counts” toward demonstrated interest.
Other Ways to Engage and Show Interest
In addition to touring campuses, students can demonstrate their enthusiasm and learn more through other key steps:
- Attend Live, Virtual Events such as student panels or information sessions to hear directly from faculty, students and administrators.
- Take Virtual Tours – either as live events or dynamic virtual experiences – are offered by nearly every college now.
- Schedule an Interview if offered, as it’s a powerful way to highlight personality, achievements, and genuine excitement about a college.
Added Bonus
Campus visits don’t just benefit your teen—they also help the colleges. Admissions offices track which students take the time to show up, ask questions, and engage. That demonstration of genuine interest can play a role in the admissions process. It’s a win-win: colleges want to admit students who are excited about them, and your family wants a school that feels like the right fit.
The Bottom Line
Campus visits—at any time of year—are essential. They allow students to compare schools more thoughtfully, reflect on where they feel most comfortable, and communicate their interest to admissions. With curiosity, preparation, and reflection, families can use these visits to move beyond “getting in” to finding the college where their teen will truly thrive.
Fitz has dedicated the entirety of his 28 year career to encouraging higher education opportunities. He worked in the Vanderbilt, Duke Law and St. Lawrence admissions offices prior to serving as an enrollment management consultant for 200+ selective colleges around the country. He created Find The Right College to make trustworthy college counseling more accessible. Fitz is also the father of two teens so he also understands first-hand the challenges associated with a college search.
