Read page 22 of the Guide.
The best way to decide if a school is the right fit for you is to visit. Prepare carefully over the summer to  
ensure you gain the most from every college visit experience. Virtual visits are a great way to take advantage 
of “traveling”  to far away places without having to leave your home. 
Fly-in Programs
“Fly-in” programs such as the Discover Swarthmore 
program at Swarthmore College make visits affordable. 
Students experience an all expense paid immersive 
experience, whether they actually fly or travel to the 
campus another way. Some Fly-in programs do come 
with an application fee. So check in with your school 
counselor for fee waivers. To learn more and apply 
to Fly-in programs across the country, you can use 
College Greenlight Fly-In Programs and Free Visit 
Opportunities. Make sure to check out the deadlines 
for each program.
At the beginning of the summer
•Check out college admissions offices online.  
Look for links such as “book a visit,” “campus visit,” 
or “information sessions” to register for tours and 
open houses. Check with the college admissions 
office for up-to-date information.
The week before you visit   
•Prepare the questions you will want to ask.  
Review the “Questions to Ask on a College Visit” 
activity on page 23 of the Guide. 
•If in-person, print the schedule for your visit and 
a campus map.
•Plan what you will wear. Remember, you will  
be making an impression on college officials,  
so dress appropriately, even if you are visiting virtually. 
If in-person, be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as 
you are likely going to do a lot of walking and standing.
During your visit
•Take notes during your tour.
•Talk to current students if possible.
•If in-person, enjoy the campus. Eat in the dining 
hall or student center, and walk around the university 
campus and the surrounding community.
After your visit
•Write down your impressions after touring  
each school.
•Send a thank you email to the admissions office  
to demonstrate interest. Admissions offices often take 
note of this type of correspondence.
Step 5: Plan for College Visits

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