Updated October 26, 2025
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 dislike a particular college. Let’s dive into six common mistakes that can make or break your experience.
Picture this: you’re standing on campus, surrounded by Gothic buildings or modern halls, nodding politely as the tour guide talks. But deep down, you’re thinking, “I wish I knew what to ask.” Big mistake. One of the most important things to bring to a campus visit isn’t your camera—it’s a thoughtful list of questions to ask colleges.
Why? Because campus tours can be surface-level. Tour guides are trained to hit the highlights—dorms, dining and student life. But your college decision will come down to deeper factors. You want to dig into things like academic programs, student support, mental health services, internship opportunities and more.
Use your time wisely. Have questions ready not just for the tour guide, but also for admissions officers, students or professors you might meet.
Here are some good questions to ask colleges:
If you’re planning to visit, make it count. This seems obvious, right? Yet you’d be surprised how many students show up late, skip parts of the tour or leave early to make it to their next visit. That’s like watching only the first 15 minutes of a movie and pretending you know the plot.
Your campus visit may be your only opportunity to see the school in person before applying—or even enrolling. Skipping the official tour might save time, but it costs you valuable insight. Why?
First, many colleges track demonstrated interest. Signing up for the full tour, checking in and engaging with the session is a signal to admissions that you care. This is especially true at small or mid-sized private colleges, where every data point can count.
Second, official tours often cover academic buildings, dorms, student centers and key resources. Cutting it short could mean missing vital areas like the library, career services or research facilities. And don’t forget: tours are your best chance to observe campus life in real time. Are students engaged? Does the campus feel alive? Are people smiling or stressed?
But here’s the twist: even if you do the full tour, don’t just float through passively. Be present. Ask your tour guide real questions. They’re not just spokespeople—they’re students living the life you’re considering. If they’re majoring in something you’re interested in, dig into their experience. Ask what surprised them most about campus life, or how the college helped them through challenges.
One visit and done? Think again. Another common mistake is only visiting one or two schools and thinking you’ve seen it all. But here’s the deal—how many college visits should I do is a real question you need to ask early in your college search journey.
Ideally, just like building your college list, you want to visit a diverse mix of schools big, small, public, private, urban, rural. Why? Because even if you think you know what you want, sometimes your preferences shift once you’re standing on campus.
Let’s say you’re dead set on a big state university. Then you visit a smaller liberal arts college just to “check the box”—and suddenly, you’re rethinking everything. It happens all the time. That’s the power of comparison.
Plus, every college has its own vibe. Even schools with similar rankings or programs can feel wildly different in person. Campus layout, student energy, surrounding town, access to nature or city life—these are things you just can’t gauge online.
Not sure which schools to visit first? Don’t guess! Work with our former admissions officers to build a smart, personalized college list tailored to your goals, interests, and academic profile. Book a free consultation today.
The official tour is just the beginning. Yes, it’s structured. Yes, it’s informative. But it’s also polished and rehearsed. If you really want to understand a college, you’ve got to explore beyond the guided route.
Why? Because the most valuable insights often come from unscripted moments. You want to see the campus in its natural state, not just what admissions wants to showcase.
Before your visit, check out the school’s calendar. Are there any public lectures, student performances or sporting events scheduled for that day? Attending these can give you a front-row seat to student life. It’s one thing to hear about community spirit on a tour—it’s another to feel it at a basketball game or open mic night.
Here are some powerful things you can do off-script:
And here’s the kicker—these off-the-record experiences often give you material for supplemental essays, interviews and decision-making. The more real your visit feels, the more confident your final choice will be.
Your brain won’t remember everything. Trust us. After a few visits, the details blur together: which school had the amazing freshman dorms? Where was that awesome student-run café? Which one had the dorm with the private bathrooms?
Your “Why This School?” essay will likely be part of your application, and vague answers like “It has a great reputation” just won’t cut it. Real, personal details make your application pop. But you can’t recall those if you didn’t write them down.
Immediately after each visit, spend 10–15 minutes capturing your thoughts and feelings. Here’s what to jot down:
Here’s a harsh truth: letting your parents take over the visit is one of the most common and costly mistakes students make. Yes, they’re probably the ones footing the bill. Yes, they care deeply about your future. But at the end of the day, you’re the one going to college, not them.
This doesn’t mean your parents shouldn’t be involved. Absolutely bring them along. They’re an invaluable sounding board. But set expectations beforehand. Let them know you’ll be leading the charge—asking questions, taking notes, and engaging directly with the campus.
Remember, the people you meet—tour guides, current students, faculty and admissions officers—are your future community. You want to show them who you are. Don’t miss the chance to connect authentically.
At the end of the day, your college journey is a deeply personal one. You’re choosing a place where you’ll live, learn, and grow for the next four years. Be intentional. Be curious. Ask meaningful questions. Let your campus visits guide you to the school where you’ll feel challenged, inspired and right at home.
Feeling overwhelmed by all your campus impressions? Let’s make sense of it together. Book a consultation to learn how our counselors can help you reflect on your visits, identify patterns and refine your application strategy.
Aim for 5 to 7 diverse campus visits if possible. Mix up the size, location and type of colleges to get a full spectrum of what’s out there. Too few and you may miss out; too many and you risk burnout.
The best time is during the academic year—ideally, the spring of junior year—when classes are in session. You’ll get a more realistic feel for student life. Summer visits are good options too, especially if you’re tight on time.
Ask about academics, student life, support services and post-grad outcomes. Examples include: “What’s a typical day like for a student in my major?” or “How do students find internships or jobs after graduation?”
Yes! Visiting early can help shape your college list and clarify which type of environment suits you best. It also helps you be more strategic with applications when the time comes.
How can I demonstrate interest during a campus visit?
Register for official tours, ask thoughtful questions, follow up with thank-you emails, and engage with the school online. These steps show admissions that you’re serious about their school.
Stephen received a BA from Cornell University, an MA from Columbia University Teachers College and a Ph.D. from Rice University. Prior to founding AcceptU, Stephen was an Assistant Dean of admissions at Cornell and an Associate Dean of graduate admissions at Princeton University. Stephen is an IECA Member.
