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While not everyone has the time or means to visit all potential campuses, such visits are critical, both for the college decision-making process and to signal interest to the schools. Some families like to sample a wide array of campuses so they can whittle down the list of decisions (large/small, urban/rural, near/far, residential/commuter). Others already have a short list. In any case, visiting at least a couple top schools on the student’s wish list is important in establishing standards and preferences.

The basics…

Aside from family and close friends, the relationship between student and college is one of the most significant for young people. Leaving the decision solely to what you see on the college website is not wise. Visiting a campus is a true immersive experience. Families and students learn crucial information and get a sense of place and community, which truly helps make the decision.

Factors to look for include: the attentiveness of staff, availability of faculty, and friendliness of students. Classrooms, residence halls, dining halls, student centers and the city or town around the college are also best seen in person. In my experience, campus visits also offer more nuanced – and highly valuable – context surrounding the college’s culture of athletics, social life, academics and more.

What to look for…

The campus culture is a culture precisely because it is rooted in the traditions and values of those who are on campus. Are students serious, casual, funny, bright? How do you separate what is real from tours and information sessions, where the happiest and most engaged students are front and center versus the more typical students? Consider adding informal time to the campus visit. Sit in the Student Center or dining hall and simply observe, listen, and try to measure the energy level of the students. And though your student will likely hate this, stop students on campus and ask how they like it. Ask what makes this place unique and special.

Encourage your student to dig deeper. Does the university allow prospective students to sit in on a class? Can the student meet with a professor, coach, and admissions counselor, have lunch with majors or potential teammates?

Schools are watching…

In the uber-competitive world of admissions, schools may be paying attention to your student’s activity and interest more than you know. And it matters. Schools want to spend time and energy on students who are interested in them. When it comes to their decisions, they want to consider those students who are more likely to attend. They are preparing financial aid packages and building a class based on demographics and academic interest. So, they might want to see if the student participated in a high school admissions program, visited campus, reached out to an admissions counselor, and participated in on-line sessions. If you have the opportunity to visit your student’s top choice schools, that can give them an opportunity to meet the admissions staff, ask questions, and learn more about the school so they can make a well-informed decision.

Parents matter too…

Institutions need to be student-centered. While families and others might be paying the bills, the experience belongs to the student. And yet, given the emotional and financial investment that families make, you want to know that you aren’t going to be frozen out. Yes, privacy laws dictate that institutions can only share so much with parents related to student records. But students can waive many of these restrictions. More important, though, is does the institution work in partnership with parents? Are the opinions of parents considered? By visiting an institution with your student, you can get a sense of how you’ll be involved in the college experience with your student and the opportunities you have as a parent or family member there.

Other things to consider…

• The tour guide is important. But not that important. Some guides can really sell a place, while others can be a turn-off. Think of them as you would a food server or flight attendant – they can impact the experience, but they are not the totality of the experience. Keep their effectiveness in perspective.
• Some campuses offer voucher programs. For those who have tighter budgets this can open doors to various institutions. It also signals that the campus is interested in socio-economic diversity and access for all.
• Timing is important. I took my son to a school during its spring break. And it was raining. The trip was doomed from the start. Weather is relative, but being on campus when there are students and vibrant campus life is crucial to getting that sense of place.
• Connect with the people. My wife had a similar experience with my daughter. The campus visit was during winter break and did not impress. But what did impress was the on-line connection to the academic program afterward. My daughter loved the faculty and students and went there anyways, and loved it. So, the visit matters, but the people matter even more. Find the people.
• Go back. When students have honed in on one or two schools, consider a second visit to get more in-depth and to demonstrate interest.

Sometimes students just know – this campus is, or isn’t, a place where they can see themselves. That is worth the trip. Authenticity, connection, and comfort matter to students. They need a chance to consider with their heads, and hearts, what feels like the best fit.

About the author: David Tuttle spent over 30 years in higher education in Residential Life and Student Affairs and has sent four children to college. He is the proprietor of a student and parent assistance service, PROsper Collegiate, LLC. Contact him here: david@prospercollegiate.com.