Tips for Making the Most Out of a College Visit
NHA Communications TeamNHA Communications Team
Articles by NHA Communications Team
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Choosing a college is a big decision for both you and your child. It takes time and money, so it’s important to help them find the right fit. One of the best ways to do that is by visiting the campus in person. Actually being there lets you both get a feel for the place and see if it’s the right environment for your child.
While reading about schools or taking virtual tours can be helpful, nothing beats walking around the campus yourself. You get to see what the school is really like, which can make a huge difference.
So, when’s the best time to start visiting colleges? Many counselors suggest starting in junior year, but early senior year works too. If you can, try to visit while classes are in session. This way, your child can see what the learning environment is like—whether they prefer large lecture halls or smaller, more personal classrooms.
Before you go, it’s a good idea to sit down with your child and come up with a list of questions. You’ll want to ask about things like academic support, diversity on campus, clubs, and student life. If you can, check out the freshmen dorms and try the cafeteria food. A student-led tour is a great chance to ask about what everyday life is like at the school.
Most visits include a campus tour, a meeting with someone from admissions, and an overview of the school’s programs. After the visit, the most important question to ask your child is, “Can you picture yourself here?” If the answer is no, that’s okay—there are plenty of other schools out there, and it’s all about finding the right fit.
If visiting in person isn’t an option right away, a virtual tour is a good starting point. But if a college is high on your child’s list, it’s worth making the trip. Some schools even offer travel assistance for out-of-state students, so be sure to ask the admissions office about that.
Whether your child is just beginning their college search or narrowing down their choices, visiting a campus is an important step. Sometimes, one visit is all it takes for them to know they’ve found the perfect spot!
While reading about schools or taking virtual tours can be helpful, nothing beats walking around the campus yourself. You get to see what the school is really like, which can make a huge difference.
So, when’s the best time to start visiting colleges? Many counselors suggest starting in junior year, but early senior year works too. If you can, try to visit while classes are in session. This way, your child can see what the learning environment is like—whether they prefer large lecture halls or smaller, more personal classrooms.
Before you go, it’s a good idea to sit down with your child and come up with a list of questions. You’ll want to ask about things like academic support, diversity on campus, clubs, and student life. If you can, check out the freshmen dorms and try the cafeteria food. A student-led tour is a great chance to ask about what everyday life is like at the school.
Most visits include a campus tour, a meeting with someone from admissions, and an overview of the school’s programs. After the visit, the most important question to ask your child is, “Can you picture yourself here?” If the answer is no, that’s okay—there are plenty of other schools out there, and it’s all about finding the right fit.
If visiting in person isn’t an option right away, a virtual tour is a good starting point. But if a college is high on your child’s list, it’s worth making the trip. Some schools even offer travel assistance for out-of-state students, so be sure to ask the admissions office about that.
Whether your child is just beginning their college search or narrowing down their choices, visiting a campus is an important step. Sometimes, one visit is all it takes for them to know they’ve found the perfect spot!