5 Things Every Student Should Know After a College Visit

Visiting colleges is one of the most exciting parts of the application process; it is your chance to

step onto campus, observe, and imagine yourself there for the next four years. But amid the

tours, info sessions, and stops to grab coffee, it is easy to get overwhelmed. Essential College

Coaches have helped hundreds of students navigate this journey. We know that a well-planned tour can turn a campus visit into a goldmine of insights.

Here are five key things every student should know before leaving the campus. When you are developing your final college list, refer to your notes and insights from the visits to help you compare each school’s pros and cons and create a list of Right-Fit colleges.

1. The Academic Fit: Does This Place Challenge and Support You?

Leave your campus visit knowing if the school's programs align with your professional and

academic goals. Try to attend a class, chat with professors, and tour research

labs during your visit. Understand class sizes (is that Eng. Lit 111 class 300 students or 20?), internship and research opportunities, and study abroad options.

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HIGHEssential College Coaches Tip: Note resources like tutoring centers, career services, labs, and libraries. If you are planning a pre-med track, does the biology department have cutting-edge labs? Leave your visit with specifics about your planned curriculum track and how each college’s resources support it. Ask yourself as you leave, “Will this college help me meet my professional goals?”

2. Campus Culture and Student Life: Would You Enjoy Living Here?

Campus culture can be tricky to surmise over one visit. Eat in the dining hall, tour a dorm if

offered, and observe the students. Does the environment feel like one in which you would

thrive? Campuses do have a distinct vibe, and visits help you determine the one that feels right

for you. Try attending a sporting event or an extracurricular event you are interested in.

Essential College Coaches Tip: Ask your tour guide questions that matter to you. There are no

wrong questions on a college tour. What are the main activities on weekends? Do students

generally have a double major? How is the food? One of our students was sure that a college was

her number one choice and was planning to ED. After her visit, she took the school off her list

entirely. The campus did not feel right for her.

3. Location and Logistics: Practicalities That Affect Daily Life

Don't underestimate geography. Assess the surroundings: Is the campus urban (think hectic city )

or rural (peaceful but remote)? Check proximity to airports, potential internships, and home,

because travel costs do add up. Campus visits are a great way to assess what feels “too far” from home

for you and your parents.

Assess how the campus aligns with your needs; are safety concerns met with blue-light poles and

escort services? What kind of weather can you expect? Are there gyms or grocery stores, or

salons close by? You will spend four years on campus, so finding the one that will support your

lifestyle is key.

4. Financial Realities: What is the True Cost and Aid Picture?

Leave your visit with a realistic idea of the all-in cost of this college. If you have the opportunity,

meet with financial aid officers to get an idea of how much students with a similar financial

picture paid. Note what merit scholarships, need-based aid, and work-study options are available

and how much and how many students received aid. The cost of college can be more than the

cost of buying a house these days, so be sure you are assessing whether taking on a high debt load is

worth it.

Essential College Coaches Tip: Crunch the numbers and openly discuss your family’s college

budget to set realistic expectations. Always compare net price calculators for every college on

your application list.

5. Gut Feeling and Intangibles: Does It Just Feel Right?

Finally, trust your instincts. After the other analysis, how did you feel about this campus? Did the

campus energize you? Were the students engaged and happy? Jot down pros/cons that you will

refer to later.

The goal of a visit is to help you envision success: Can you see yourself thriving in classes,

making lifelong friends, or landing that dream internship? It is okay if it's not perfect; no school

is, but a few are going to stand out to you as the “dream” school.

Essential College Coaches Tip: The goal of your college visits is to preview your future. By

focusing on these five areas, you will have a solid foundation for creating a college application

list that meets your unique priorities.

Take notes during your visit and then debrief with family or friends. Remember, the Right-Fit college is where you will not only grow but thrive! Safe travels on your visits, and if you have some helpful college visit stories, please share them in the comments.