Making the Most of Campus Visits

Visiting a college in person is one of the best ways to get a real feel for the school and figure out if it’s a place you can see yourself thriving. If you have a campus visit coming up, here are a few tips to help you make the most of it—not just to see if the school feels like a good fit, but also to gather insights that might be helpful when it’s time to apply.

Why It Matters

Besides helping you figure out if you like a school, campus visits can also play a role in how a college views you. Some schools track what’s called demonstrated interest—basically, how much you’ve shown that you’re genuinely interested in attending.

For colleges that care about yield (a fancy way of saying how many admitted students actually enroll), demonstrated interest can play a real role in the admissions process. With so many students applying to more schools than ever, admissions offices are having a harder time predicting who will actually say yes to an offer. So they start looking for clues—Did you visit campus? Sign in at the admissions office? Attend an info session? Open the emails they sent?

All of those little actions can add up and signal to a school that you’re serious—not just tossing in an application to keep your options open. No college wants to feel like someone’s backup plan.

Not all schools track this (some are super hush-hush about it, and the most selective ones usually say they don’t), but honestly—it doesn’t hurt to act like they do. Better safe than sorry.

Easy Ways to Show Interest

Here are a few simple ways to demonstrate genuine interest during your campus visit:

• Take the official tour and make sure to sign in or fill out any info card they give you. That’s often how schools track who visited.
• Sit in on a class. Many schools offer programs that let prospective students experience a real class. It’s a great way to get a feel for the academic environment—and it shows admissions officers you’re genuinely interested in the learning part of college, which they love.
• Attend an info session run by the admissions office. These are often led by admissions officers themselves, and occasionally you’ll get the chance to chat with one afterward. If you do, send a quick thank-you email. It’s a small gesture, but it can show thoughtfulness and leave a positive impression.

These little actions won’t singlehandedly get you admitted, but they can quietly help you stand out in a crowded applicant pool.

Take Notes (for Future Essays)

I’m not saying you need to walk around campus with a clipboard, but don’t just rely on memory either. Later on, when you're writing application essays—especially that dreaded “Why This College?” question—details are your best friend.

Here’s what to pay attention to and jot down:

• Specific academic programs or departments you’re excited about.
• Research opportunities or cool projects students are working on.
• Student culture. Is the vibe more collaborative or competitive? Did students seem happy?
• Any little moment that stuck with you—something a tour guide said, a convo you overheard, a flyer on a bulletin board.

Trust me, it’ll help. That level of detail in an essay can set you apart big time.

Get Curious

Ask your tour guide lots of questions. They’ve been in your shoes and often have real, honest takes on what the school is actually like. Dig a little deeper than just, “How’s the food?” (Though, yes, definitely ask about the food too.)

Wander a bit on your own if you can. Check out the student center, peek into a residence hall, browse bulletin boards for club meetings and speaker events. The goal is to get a feel for what life is really like there, not just the polished admissions tour.

Bottom Line

Campus visits can give you major clarity and help your application. So take it all in, ask questions, take some notes and keep your eyes open. Future you (writing essays late at night) will be grateful.

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Need Help or Advice?

If you have questions about exploring college options, finding the right school for you or the college application process, don’t hesitate to reach out.

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