Visit Colleges
Plan ahead and get the most from college visits — 
either virtual or in-person — with these tips.  
It is never too early to begin visiting colleges.
Virtual College Visits 
•Live virtual visits are more helpful than pre-recorded.
•Topic-specific sessions highlight certain programs 
(such as business or engineering programs) or certain  
identities (such as first-generation-to-college students). 
•Do your research in advance just like you would  
do if you were visiting in person. Know your own 
priorities and what features will make a college  
a good academic, social, and financial fit. 
•Observe campus culture by noticing where students 
socialize, how faculty and staff engage students,  
and what support is offered for students of color.
•Current students are the best resource for getting  
a feel for campus culture.
•Individual virtual meetings with admissions  
counselors are a good option for asking lots  
of questions. Do not be shy!
Types of Virtual Visits 
Each type has a different purpose: 
•Virtual information sessions provide a brief  
overview of a college and its admissions  
requirements. Information sessions might require 
pre-registration.
•Virtual open houses are usually longer than  
information sessions and might include any  
combination of live presentations, pre-recorded  
content, classroom tours, and a question-and- 
answer period. Open house events might require 
pre-registration.
•Virtual campus tours are designed to replicate the 
experience of walking around the campus and often 
include 360-degree and panoramic photography.  
Virtual campus tours usually do not require registration.
In-Person College Visits
•Register for a tour, open house, and admissions  
session. Ask if you can sit in on classes or view a 
dorm room. Take the entire tour and ask questions. 
Be engaged with the tour guide and school  
representatives.
•Get the student perspective. Talk to students  
and ask questions about campus life, activities,  
and classes. Eat in the dining hall or student center. 
Read the school newspaper (which is often digital). 
•Make a copy of the questions on p. 25. Bring them 
with you, along with a notebook and pen.
•Record your thoughts. After your visit, write  
down your impressions in a notebook. Use the same 
notebook to write about all of your college visits,  
so that you can compare schools.
•Visit when classes are in session. You will get  
a better sense of life on campus if you visit when  
the full student body is present, instead of during  
a holiday or summer break.
•Consider a fly-in program. If you want to visit  
a school that is further away, find out if it provides  
a fly-in program. These are hosted by colleges  
and are usually free, and provide an opportunity 
for prospective students to learn more about the 
school’s programs and campus life. Most of these 
programs require an application and a letter  
of recommendation.
24
 
How Colleges are Represented  
on Social Media 
When researching colleges online, you may encounter 
social media accounts that seem to share an authentic 
“day in the life” of students, but be aware that many of 
these accounts are actually sponsored by the college. 
Conversely, some students run their own “day in the 
life” social media, but without the support of the college. 
When viewing these posts, consider who creates these 
accounts and what their goals may be.
Pathways  
 to  Prosperity

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