Why Campus Visits Matter More Than You Think

In the college search process, the campus visit is one of the most important steps. While online research, rankings, and guidebooks provide valuable information, nothing replaces experiencing a campus in person.

Even schools with outstanding reputations and strong academic programs are not automatically the right fit for every student. Prestige alone does not guarantee comfort, connection, or belonging. Campus visits allow students to move beyond name recognition, prestige, and rankings.

Sometimes a campus visit confirms what a student already suspects: This feels right. Other times, it challenges their preconceived notions. A college that looked perfect on paper may not resonate in person. Conversely, a college that a student was vehemently opposed to might become their dream campus after a campus visit.

Ultimately, a campus visit is not just about touring buildings. It is about helping your child determine where they will thrive academically, socially, and personally.

 

While visiting campuses, many students describe an intuitive moment that happens. In that moment(s), they can mentally envision the campus as home for the next four years. That feeling can be powerful, and this feeling can only be captured in person. 

It is impactful to see how the students on a campus interact with one another, to have an opportunity to talk to faculty, to eat in the dining hall, to see the posted campus event flyers, and even sit in on a class.  These types of interactions allow what a student reads on a website, sees in a guidebook, or hears from a family member or friend to come to life.  Now the university becomes a real and tangible option.

 

As a parent, you witness in real time your child’s reactions to the campus. You are able to see them light up when they hear something of interest.  You might accompany them to that surprise bookstore visit to grab souvenirs. Possibly, your child talks incessantly about parts of the campus tour on the way home. Witnessing their joy makes you excited, too!

However, when the campus visit proves not to be a fit,  you, as a parent, see your child’s body language, disappointment, and realization that a particular college is not for them. This challenge presents an opportunity to discuss with your student what they did not like about the campus. Hopefully, this conversation creates more clarity about what a good fit college means.  Leading to more, you guessed it, campus visits!

To get the greatest benefit from a campus visit:

When application season arrives, those notes and photos will be invaluable in refining the college list and making thoughtful decisions.