Fall college visits planning guide

As your child approaches the critical decision of selecting colleges, fall is an ideal time to embark on visits. These visits provide invaluable insights into campus life, academic programs and the overall college experience. To ensure a productive and organized college visit season, here’s a comprehensive guide for parents:

Early Planning

1. Create a List: Begin by creating a list of colleges your child is interested in visiting. Consider factors like location, size, academic programs and campus culture.

2. Check Schedules: Research the colleges’ visit schedules. Many colleges offer specific visit days or events during the fall. Check their websites for details.

3. Set Priorities: Prioritize which colleges to visit based on your child’s preferences and application deadlines.

Scheduling Visits

1. Plan Dates: Choose suitable dates for the visits. Keep in mind your child’s school schedule and any standardized testing dates.

2. Make Appointments: If the college offers individual tours or meetings with admissions counselors, be sure to schedule these in advance.

Preparing for Visits

1. Research: Familiarize yourself with each college’s website and gather information about academic programs, extracurricular activities  and admission requirements.

2. Questions List: Encourage your child to prepare a list of questions to ask during the visit. This can include inquiries about majors, research opportunities and campus resources.

3. Review Campus Maps: Familiarize yourself with campus maps to navigate efficiently during your visit, including location of the admissions office and parking. 

During the Visits

1. Take Notes: Bring a notebook or use a note-taking app to jot down important information during each visit. Note your impressions and any noteworthy details.

2. Engage with Students: Encourage your child to speak with current students to gain insights into campus life and student experiences.

3. Attend Information Sessions: Attend information sessions offered by the college. These sessions often cover admission requirements, financial aid and campus resources.

After the Visits

1. Reflect: After each visit, take time to reflect on your impressions. Discuss with your child what they liked and disliked about each college.

2. Review Notes: Review your notes and compile them into a summary for future reference.

3. Discuss Next Steps: Have a discussion with your child about their feelings and impressions. Determine if any colleges should be added or removed from their list.

Additional Tips

1. Plan Accommodations: If you need overnight accommodations, book hotels or lodging in advance. Some colleges may offer on-campus lodging options.

2. Travel Arrangements: Plan travel arrangements, including flights, car rentals or driving routes, well in advance.

3. Stay Open-Minded: Encourage your child to keep an open mind during visits. Sometimes, a campus visit can reveal unexpected preferences.

By following this guide, you can make the most of your fall college visits and support your child in making informed decisions about their future college home.