Tips for the Campus Visit Process
Campus visits are rock stars of the college decision process. Brochures and conversations with your admissions counselor via text and email are important, but there’s nothing like a campus visit to really help you get a sense of what you want — and what you don’t want — in a college. Not sure when, where, or how to start visiting colleges? These tips from college admissions pros are here to answer your questions.
Who: Juniors in high school should consider visiting the schools on their list. Junior year is the ideal time to begin visiting campuses because it helps students and parents narrow down what they like and don’t like and cross certain colleges (or types of colleges) off the list before they have the pressure of making a final decision. With that being said, visiting college campuses is certainly beneficial for seniors in high school as well.
What: Campus visits can be so much more than just a campus tour! At Huntington University, we make sure that our visitors have a chance to:
- Meet with current students, an admissions counselor, a professor from their intended area of study, and an athletic coach (if applicable)
- Eat lunch in the dining commons
- Attend chapel
You can even spend the night in a residence hall! Many visitors just expect to get a campus tour, but a campus visit can be so much more than that. If you can, request to sit in on a class so you can experience the classroom environment firsthand.
When: As often as you can! At Huntington University, we suggest visiting more than once because the campus visit includes many different pieces. Each part is helpful for learning who we are as a college, understanding what it means to attend a liberal arts college, and answering questions you may not even know to ask! Attending different campus visits at one school can provide great perspective on various aspects of the student experience. For example, HU offers
- An overnight campus visit to learn about the student vibe
- A scheduled group visit day focused on an academic program to get a deep dive into programs like agriculture, film, or nursing
- A Christmas Open House to explore our residence halls and meet with the Office of Financial Aid in a fun Christmas atmosphere
- Athletic and academic summer camps to get an extended in-depth experience
Where: Wherever you want! If you’re really impressed with a college’s brochure, schedule a time to take a campus tour. If there are several schools you are considering, plan a road trip (just make sure to leave some time in between visits). After you’ve narrowed down your list some, visit your favorite places again.
Why: Perhaps you’re thinking you want to choose a college around three hours from where you live, but after driving that distance you realize that it is further away than you wanted. Maybe you’re planning to attend a big school, but after visiting campus you decide that a big school atmosphere isn’t what makes you feel at home. Campus visits are the best way to know if the college you are considering is going to be a good fit for you.
Ready to start visiting colleges? Start with Huntington University!
