Key takeaways
- Summer college visits may offer a more personalized experience since university staff tend to have a lighter schedule.
- Plan your visits around official campus tour dates. To save time and money, try grouping multiple schools into one trip.
- Reach out in advance if you want to stay overnight in a dorm or sit in on a class, as both require prior permission.
- Talk to students, faculty, and admissions staff since they can all offer different perspectives.
Flickr user Penn State
With no schoolwork to worry about and more free time on your hands, summer is a great time to plan your college visits. University staff tend to have a lighter load during the summer, so you may be able to get a more personalized campus tour. Having a good plan in place can help you make the most of your time on campus. Check out these tips.
1. Choose your dates wisely
If possible, it’s always best to visit a college while school is in session. There will be fewer students on campus during the summer, but there will still be some around. Plan to go on a weekday so you have a better chance of talking to people.
If your senior year of high school doesn’t start until September, consider visiting in that final week of August. The fall semester has started for many colleges by then, so you’ll get to experience the campus as new students arrive and classes begin. It’s usually a great atmosphere to be a part of!
2. Note campus tour dates
While you should take time to explore on your own, going on an official campus tour is highly recommended. You’ll learn things about the school you wouldn’t have otherwise known, and it’s a great opportunity to ask questions.
Checking tour dates ahead of time also lets you string multiple visits together into one trip. That can save you both money and travel time, while giving you the chance to compare schools side by side.
3. Ask about staying overnight in a dorm room
Some colleges allow prospective students to stay overnight in the dorms. You’ll need to get permission in advance so the necessary arrangements can be made. If the college doesn’t allow it, consider staying in a nearby hotel so you can get a feel for the surrounding area.
4. Ask about sitting in on a class
Some schools will allow you to sit in on a class, but you need to get permission first, and the professor will need to be notified ahead of time. Reach out to the department in charge of tours to ask about this option. Never walk into a classroom without permission.
5. Plan your travel around your visits
Ask yourself a few questions before you book anything:
- Is the college within driving distance, or will you need to fly?
- Will you be staying overnight?
- Are there other schools nearby that you also want to visit?
Having answers to these questions early will help you build a smart travel itinerary. Booking flights and hotels sooner rather than later may also help you save money.
6. Know who to talk to while you’re there
One of the most valuable parts of a campus visit is the conversations you have. Each person you meet can offer a different perspective. Here’s who to seek out:
- Current students: Ask them what they genuinely love about the school and what they wish they’d known before enrolling. Students tend to give the most honest answers.
- Admissions staff: They can answer specific questions about the application process, financial aid, and what the school looks for in applicants.
- Faculty or department advisors: If you have a specific major in mind, try to connect with someone in that department. Ask about research opportunities, class sizes, and career outcomes for graduates.
- Tour guides: They’re students too, and they often share useful insider tips that aren’t on the official tour script.
Don’t be shy about starting conversations. Most people on campus are happy to help.
7. Do your pre-visit homework
You don’t need to be an expert on the school before you arrive, but showing up with some background knowledge helps. Think about what interests you most about the college. Write down questions you want to ask. Note which areas of campus or the surrounding town you’d like to see. A little preparation goes a long way toward making the visit feel worthwhile.
8. Check out their social media
Browse the college’s social media profiles before your visit. You’ll get a sense of campus events, how students interact, and how the school engages with its community. If the school isn’t very active on social media, their website, campus newspaper, or newsletters may be a better source of insight.
9. Take notes and photos
While researching and during your visit, jot down things you want to remember or follow up on. Bring a notebook, save a college comparison checklist, or use your phone. Taking photos of buildings, dorms, dining areas, and the surrounding area may help you remember details when you’re comparing schools later.
Make your summer count
A little bit of planning goes a long way toward making your summer college visits successful, stress-free, and fun. By doing your homework and asking the right questions now, you’ll head into your senior year with a clearer picture of where you’ll truly feel at home.
Before you start planning your visits, make sure you know which schools to put on your list. Use College Raptor’s College Match tool to discover personalized college matches, cost estimates, acceptance odds, and potential financial aid, all for FREE!
