Campus Visit Guide
Everything you need to make campus visits count, from preparation to follow-up.
Before You Visit
A campus visit is your student's best chance to show genuine interest and gather the specific details that make essays and interviews shine. Preparation is what separates memorable visitors from forgettable ones.
Do Your Research
- Look up the school's specific programs in your student's intended major
- Read recent campus news, new initiatives, faculty achievements
- Find the name of the admissions rep for your student's region
- Check if any professors do research that aligns with your student's interests
Prepare 5-7 Thoughtful Questions
The right questions signal genuine curiosity. The wrong ones signal laziness.
Good Questions
- “What's one thing you wish you'd known before coming here?”
- “How accessible are professors outside of class?”
- “What does undergraduate research look like in [your major]?”
- “How has the [specific program] evolved in the last few years?”
- “What do students do on a typical weekend?”
- “What support exists for students who want to start a club or organization?”
- “Can you tell me about [specific initiative or center you researched]?”
Bad Questions (Signal You Didn't Research)
- “How many students go here?”
- “What's the acceptance rate?”
- “What majors do you offer?”
- “Where is the school located?”
- Anything that appears on the first page of the school's website
What to Wear and Bring
What to Wear
- Neat casual - think nice jeans and a polo or blouse
- Comfortable walking shoes (campus tours are long)
- Not too formal - you are not interviewing for a law firm
- Dress for the weather, bring layers
What to Bring
- Notebook and pen (taking notes = good signal)
- Water bottle
- Phone charger / portable battery
- Your question list (printed or on phone)
- A folder for any materials they hand out