1. Create Account
  2. Login
StudyUSA
Match Me
  • Create Account
  • Login
  • School Search
  • Resources
    • All Resources
    • Articles
    • Student Voices
    • Videos
    • Magazines
    • Podcasts
  • Services
    • All Services
    • Accommodation
    • Support
    • Career
    • Financial
    • Testing
    • Other
  • Chat

10 Tips For Campus Visits

10 Tips For Campus Visits

Oct 25, 2021

As the school year winds down, the college search process often begins. For many students, this includes plans to visit U.S. college campuses. Common questions are: When is the best time to visit? and What should we expect to accomplish?

The answers: Visit when you can, and Soak up as much information as possible! Ideally, you would visit when classes are in session and the campuses are full of life. That may not always be possible, though, so go when you can.

Give yourself exposure to many different kinds of places: big schools, small schools, research universities, liberal-arts colleges, urban campuses and places out in the country. As you visit, allow your senses to guide you. Ultimately, it will be a “sixth sense”—or “gut feeling”—that will lead you to the ones that suit you best.

Some other tips:

Take advantage of everything the school has to offer

If an interview is offered, take it! Take a tour. Visit an academic department in which you have an interest.

Plan ahead

Try to schedule your visit at least two weeks in advance. You may need to call two months ahead for an interview appointment.

Prepare well

Read information about the school. Look for potential synergy between your interests, perspectives and learning style and the school’s offerings. On campus, test your initial impressions and see how you fit.

Arrive early

Give yourself time to walk around before touring. Find a snack bar or someplace where you can comfortably take in campus life. How do people relate to each other and to you?

Get more than one opinion

Much of what is offered formally by a college is staged for your benefit. It’s part of the sales pitch. If you can, go “backstage” to learn more. Visit the “neighborhoods” surrounding the campus. Introduce yourself to students and ask questions like: “What do you like most about your experience?” “How would you describe the academic environment?” How do you see yourself fitting into the picture they “paint” of life on that campus?

Record your visit

Make notes. Take pictures. The more colleges you see, the more they will become a blur in your mind. Give yourself a visual index to avoid confusion later.

Build relationships

Your campus visit gives you a chance to establish relationships with interviewers and information session presenters who might be decision-makers on your application. Collect business cards and stay in touch with them in appropriate ways.

Connect with the recruiter

Find out who recruits in your area or country. If that person is available, introduce yourself. If not, ask for his or her business card. Consider him/her as your “go to” person when you have questions later on.

Absorb it

Resist the impulse to make an immediate judgment about a campus. Your first reaction is bound to be emotional. In the end, you need to remain as objective as possible.

Focus on fit

How does the college you’re visiting meet your academic needs? Will you be challenged? Does the college offer a sense of community that makes you feel “at home?”

MAKE A VIRTUAL VISIT

Not able to travel to the U.S to visit a college you’re considering? There are other options that can help you get a feel for what the campus looks like as well as the school’s academic and cultural environment. Many institutions offer virtual campus tours on their websites. In addition, some colleges and universities hold webinar information sessions, which will enable you to learn more about what makes that school unique. You may also have a chance to ask questions. Finally, it’s a good idea to identify the admission staff persons who recruit in your country or region so that you can reach out to them with any questions not covered on the website, in the virtual tour or through a webinar.

Follow us:
Written by

Study in the USA


Peter Van Buskirk, former dean of admission at Franklin & Marshall College, is the Director of Student Advocacy at Revolution Prep. Read his admissions blog at: www.revolutionprep.com/resources

Get matched to the best program for you

Let us know what you're looking for so we can find the best school for you.

Get matched
Call to action background image. Decorative.

Useful Articles

Main image for the article titled Unlocking the Universe: From Forbes 30 Under 30 to New Frontiers in Science
Unlocking the Universe: From Forbes 30 Under 30 to New Frontiers in Science
Main image for the article titled How Attending Secondary School in the U.S. Prepares Your Child for College
How Attending Secondary School in the U.S. Prepares Your Child for College
Main image for the article titled University of Pennsylvania ELP Profile: Yasuhito N. of Japan
University of Pennsylvania ELP Profile: Yasuhito N. of Japan
Main image for the article titled “New Around Here”: A Cinematic Journey into Struggles and Successes by Jennifer Hawkins, an Inspiring Student at LACC
“New Around Here”: A Cinematic Journey into Struggles and Successes by Jennifer Hawkins, an Inspiring Student at LACC
Read more

Check Out These Schools

Study New Jersey

Study New Jersey

$1,000—$5,000 Session

Certificate/Short Term 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs Masters
Contact
Simmons University

Simmons University

$25,000—$30,000 Semester

English Programs Certificate/Short Term Bachelor Degree
Contact
Tulane University

Tulane University

$45,000—$50,000 Year

Masters
Contact

Featured Programs

University of North Georgia

Typical cost per Year: $10,000 — $15,000

Bachelor Degree Masters English Programs
Learn More

Santa Barbara City College

Typical cost per Year: $5,000—$10,000

Bachelor Degree Masters Certificate/Short Term
Learn More

Glendale Community College

Typical cost per Year: $5,000—$10,000

Bachelor Degree English Programs 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs
Learn More

Related Stories

What is a Standardized Test?

Main image for the article titled What is a Standardized Test?
What is a GPA?

Main image for the article titled What is a GPA?
What is the Difference between a Public and Private University?

Main image for the article titled What is the Difference between a Public and Private University?
What is the Difference Between a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Sciences?

Main image for the article titled What is the Difference Between a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Sciences?

Start your U.S. adventure with Study in the USA

What's your dream? We can guide, advise, and connect you with your perfect U.S. school. We can also help you with the application process.
More about us
Partner Services

Learn About U.S. education financing, housing, and more

Partner service logo for Search for Education Loan Options today!

Search for Education Loan Options today!

Nomad Credit helps international students search for and compare education loan (student loan) options, including options for students with a US cosigner or those pursuing a graduate degree. The Nomad team will personally help you with your education...

Read more
Partner service logo for BetterHelp

BetterHelp

BetterHelp is the world’s largest therapy service, and it’s 100% online. You get the same professionalism and quality you expect from in-office therapy, but with access to a huge network of therapists, more scheduling flexibility, and at a more affor...

Read more
Partner service logo for A cheaper, faster way to send money abroad

A cheaper, faster way to send money abroad

Join over 6 million people and businesses who get a better deal when they send money with the real exchange rate.

Read more

Testimonials

Quotation mark.

I got admitted into the University of Michigan for Fall 2019. Thank you so much for your assistance.

Linda Chiahaoke Nigeria

StudyUSA helped me prepare the right documents for the various interviews, and to know what to expect in terms of travel and navigating the American academic system.

Felistus Makhanu Kenya

StudyUSA showed me the ways and helped me choose the best school and State of Florida as my best option!! Thank you StudyUSA !!

Fernanda Contin Brazil

Resources

Learn about American culture and education direct from our experts at Study in the USA. Read more

Achieving Your Goal
Admissions and Placement Testing
Beyond the Basics
Education System in the USA
Financing Your U.S. Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Life in the USA
Resources
Student Experiences
For students age 10-18
Study in Canada
Podcasts
Magazines
Videos
Student Voices
Ask StudyUSA.com

Subscribe to get the latest from Study in the USA

You can unsubscribe at any time.


StudyUSA
Explore

  • School Search
  • Resources
  •   Articles
  •   Student Voices
  •   Videos
  •   Magazines
  • Partner Services
  •   Accommodation
  •   Career
  •   Financial
  •   Other
  •   Support
  •   Testing
  • Apply
  • Chat
Information

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Course Index
  • Featured Programs
  • Article Index
  • Create account
  • Sign in
  • For Educators & Institutions
Match Me
  • English
    العربيـة English Español Français Bahasa Indonesia 日本語 한국어 Português Русский ภาษาไทย Türkçe Tiếng Việt 简体中文 繁體中文

  • Privacy & Policy
  • /
  • Terms

Study in the USA logo

© 2023 Study in the USA. All Rights Reserved.

Global Study logo
A member of the Global Study network

When you visit or interact with our sites, services or tools, we or our authorised service providers may use cookies for storing information to help provide you with a better, faster and safer experience and for marketing purposes.