What Most Students Miss During College Rep Visits—And How to Win Big

Every fall, college representatives travel to high schools around the country to meet students and market their colleges. Students often treat these as casual info sessions, but here is the truth: these brief visits can be a game-changing moment in the college admissions process.

That rep in your school library or counseling might be the regional reader who will review your application. At many colleges, they also track demonstrated interest which includes your visit with admissions at your high school or local college fair, thoughtful questions asked through email, opening and clicking through on all email from the college, and virtual and in-person event attendance.

Even when demonstrated interest is not officially tracked, a rep who remembers you can add valuable context during committee discussions.

So how do you turn 10 minutes into a lasting advantage? Here is your step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare Before the Visit

• Schedule: Check your high school counseling calendar or Naviance/Scoir. If the visit overlaps with class, ask for permission in advance.

• Do a deep dive: Look for one specific reason you are interested in that college, consider a particular program, lab, course, or advising model.

• Create a short introduction: Include your name, grade, central passion, one concrete action you are taking this year, and a short question.

  
  

2. Deliver a Short Introduction (your mini-elevator pitch)

You can use this template to create your introduction (adapt this for where you are meeting the admissions rep):

“Hi, I’m [Name], a [grade] at [High School]. I am drawn to [academic focus] and this year I am [one extracurricular]: [leading X, building Y, researching Z]. I noticed [specific program/professor/course] at [College], and I am curious how students like me get involved early." 

3. Ask the Right Questions

Skip the basic questions you can Google or find on their website. Instead, ask:

“If I am interested in [XXX], what is the best way for a first year to get involved right away?”

“From my region, what do your most successful admits tend to show beyond grades/scores?”

These questions can lead to a genuine conversation and give you insider perspective.

4. Follow Up the Same Day

A thoughtful, timely email can leave a lasting impression. Remember to thank them for the visit, re-introduce yourself and mention something about the college that they discussed during the visit that particularly interested you and why. If you are planning to visit the college, mention the date you will be on their campus.

When communicating with admissions in writing use email, not text, and use a business style that would be appropriate for an employer. We suggest having a parent proofread your email before sending.  Your email can be copied into your official admissions file and used in the decision process, so you want to leave a positive impression.

Final Thoughts: These Are not Just Info Sessions, they are Mini, Low-Stakes Interviews

Treat them that way: show up prepared, ask one smart question, and follow up. Take your time now to prepare and be thoughtful and intentional in your interactions during these visits. You could win over an advocate who will push for you to have a spot when you apply.