Why a College Visit Matters in Your College Search
College visits are one of the most fun and exciting parts of the college search, but the question is where to begin and how to get the most out of them. First of all, campus visits can help you not only narrow down your options but also decide what you are looking for in a college. Visits can give you a genuine experience of a college’s academics, campus, and community in a way that pictures, phone calls, and virtual visits never will.
This process can begin in Challenge III, or your junior year of high school, as you begin to research colleges and pick the ones that interest you the most. Most colleges encourage both juniors and seniors equally to schedule visits. To start, connect with your assigned admissions counselor (AC) and check the college website for visit options.
Types of College Campus Tours: Which One Should You Choose?
When planning your college campus tour, you’ll likely have several options to choose from:
- Single-day campus visits: Great for quick overviews or back-to-back visits to multiple schools.
- Overnight campus visits: These offer an immersive experience—staying in the dorms and living like a student.
- Visit weekends: Often designed for prospective students to attend special events, meet faculty, and explore extracurriculars.
- Scholarship visit weekends: Sometimes required for interview-based scholarships—these visits combine evaluation with opportunity.
💡 Pro Tip: No matter which option you choose, coordinate with your AC to make the most of your visit and align it with your academic and personal goals.
Your College Visit Checklist: How to Prepare
Before the Campus Visit
Schedule & Confirm
- Schedule your campus tour online or through your admissions counselor
- Confirm date, time, and duration of your visit
- Ask if you can sit in on a class or meet a professor
- Request to meet with financial aid or admissions staff (if needed)
- Arrange overnight accommodations (if applicable)
- Print or save your confirmation email and parking instructions
Research the College
- Visit the college’s website and review your major or department of interest
- Make a list of questions to ask on the college visit
- Learn about clubs, sports, and campus traditions
- Check the school’s social media to get a feel for student life
What to Ask During a Campus Visit: Academics, Culture, and Costs
Now that you’ve scheduled a visit, there are a couple of things you can do to prepare and get the most out of your time on campus. The best thing to think about before arriving is the list of questions you want to ask about academics, campus life, and even financial aid.
Questions to Ask About Academics
If you know what majors you are interested in, talking to your AC and scheduling a time to talk with a professor and sit in on a specific class can help you get a sense of what studying that major could be like. When asking about academics, inquire about:
- What are the average class sizes?
- What are the course offerings and popular electives
- Are there specific opportunities in your area of interest, such as internships or research opportunities?
- What post-grad outcomes and career supports are available?
Questions to Ask About Campus Life
As you try to learn about a college’s life and community, don’t skip out on the campus tour. While it might seem routine, this overview of the physical space will give you a good sense of the overall campus. And, as you sit in on classes and tour the campus, don’t be afraid to talk to students and your tour guide to find out more. Important things to know about campus life might include:
- What do students love about the school?
- What student organizations or events are popular?
- What are the housing options and requirements?
- Are there any fun or unique campus traditions?
Questions to Ask About Financial Aid
Finally, though it might seem the least exciting, a visit to the financial aid office is essential. While you might not want to think about the money just yet, answering questions early on and understanding how the process works will help you when it comes time to apply. Important things to think about if you get the chance to talk with financial aid or your admissions counselor are:
- What is the total cost of attendance?
- What’s included in a financial aid package?
- Are there automatic or application-based scholarships?
- Are work-study or on-campus jobs available?
During the Campus Tour
Observe and Experience
- Take a guided campus tour
- Eat in the cafeteria or student union
- Sit in on a class or attend an info session
- Visit a dorm room
- Explore the library, fitness center, and other facilities
- Visit the bookstore and campus landmarks
- Walk around the neighborhood or nearby town
Schedule Meetings (if possible)
- Talk to a professor in your intended major
- Meet with financial aid staff
- Chat with current students
- Connect with a coach or activity leader (if you’re interested in sports or clubs)
- Meet with your admissions counselor
After the Campus Visit
Reflect & Record
- Rate your overall impression (1–10)
- Write down your favorite part of the visit
- List your pros and cons
- Record answers to your most important questions
- Save any brochures, notes, or business cards in one folder
- Send thank-you emails to any staff or professors you met
📌 Bonus Tip: Create a binder or digital folder to organize all your college visit notes—one section for each school!
Enjoy the Journey of College Tours
Most importantly, if a college doesn’t match with your goals perfectly, that is ok! Allow yourself to have fun while you learn about what you might or might not want in your college of choice. Enjoy your time on campus and don’t put too much pressure on yourself to find the perfect college.
Often, making your decision will involve a list of pros and cons rather than one obvious option. If you do feel stressed during the scheduling or planning of a visit, don’t forget to communicate any concerns or questions with your assigned AC for that college.
After these visits, questions, and conversations, it is always a good idea to talk to someone, often a parent or friend, or make notes on your experience to help you later when you begin narrowing down.
If you are interested in scheduling a visit to Covenant College, a Christian liberal arts college located in Lookout Mountain, GA, amidst the rolling hills of Georgia and Tennessee, learn more about visit opportunities here!
Want more college resources? Checkout these:
- Homeschoolers and College
- Can Homeschoolers Go to College? Short Answer: Yes!
- Odyssey: A Christian Gap Year Program for Graduates
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