5 mistakes to avoid during campus visit

Nothing can replace a college visit in helping a student determine if a particular school is a good match. High school students seem to have a sixth sense when it comes to college visits – most know almost immediately if they like, or don’t like, a particular college. As you’re planning your trips for this summer, consider these five tips on what not to do while on a college visit.

Don’t let your parent ask all the questions. 

Sure, your parents may be paying for some or all of your education, but you’re the one attending. A lot of times, the college tour guides are current students who are just like you. This is your chance to get real, honest insights from someone who’s living the experience you’re considering. Ask questions like:

• “What do students in [your intended major] typically do after graduation?”
• “I am interested in [subject], could we tour the college?”
• “I am interested in [your hobby], any clubs you would recommend at school?”
• “What’s one thing you wish you’d known before choosing this school?”
• “How would you describe the social scene here?”
• “What do students typically do on weekends?”

Why Tour Guide Questions Matter: Tour guides are often more candid than admissions officers because they’re your peers. They can give you the unfiltered truth about student life, academic pressure, social dynamics, and campus culture.

Strategic Questions to Ask: Your questions should demonstrate genuine curiosity about academics, student life, and opportunities that matter to you. The best questions show you’ve done your research and are thinking seriously about fit.

Don’t wait until the end of your full tour to take notes. 

Many colleges include a “Why [School Name]?” prompt in their application. Too often, students respond with vague statements like: “I want to attend your school because of its excellent reputation and beautiful campus.”

That kind of answer won’t set you apart.

Your campus visit is the perfect opportunity to go deeper—to reflect on what you saw, felt, and learned firsthand. By grounding your essay in real, personal observations, you’ll show colleges that you’re not just applying to them—you genuinely understand and connect with their community.

What to Document Immediately After Your Visit

To make the most of your visit later during application season, jot down these details while they’re still fresh:

• Specific quotes from students, professors, or admissions officers that stood out to you
• Unique programs or opportunities (research centers, interdisciplinary majors, mentorship models, etc.) that align with your goals
• Campus culture observations, including moments that felt especially welcoming—or not
• Questions that came up during the tour or info session that you’d like to explore further
• Names and contact info of people you met—especially students, faculty, or staff you might want to mention or follow up with
• Gut reactions: How did you feel walking the campus? Where did you feel most comfortable or inspired?

These personal details can transform your “Why School” essay into a specific, authentic, and memorable story—one that proves you’ve done more than just browse the website.

Don’t make an unofficial visit. 

It’s okay to visit a college without signing in for an info session and tour if you’re a sophomore, but if you’re a junior or rising senior, it’s very important to let the college know you’ve visited. The smaller the college, the more admissions officers will want to see that you’ve demonstrated interest, but even large universities often track this information.

Don’t just hang out in the admissions office. 

It’s a good idea to get out there and see the campus, not just on the tour, but on your own, too. Sit in on a few classes for a few minutes each, eat in a dining hall, stop random students on campus and ask them questions – campuses are open to visitors, so take advantage of it!

Don’t pass up the opportunity to interview. 

Many colleges offer interviews to prospective students. Call ahead to learn the specific details at each. Interviewing is the best way to connect directly with the admissions office and talk about your interests in the college. If interviews are evaluative, colleges will take them into consideration when making admissions decisions.

Enjoy your visits – take pictures, take notes, ask questions. Though college admissions can be a stressful process, get the most out of your visits. You’ll end up at one of these colleges and spend the next four years there!