Campus Visit Tips for Parents and Students
Springtime at colleges is awesome!
Campus Visit Tips for High School Parents and Students
Embarking on college campus visits can be an exciting yet daunting experience for both parents and students. Here's a guide to help you make the most of your college tours and ensure you're well-prepared for this crucial step in the college admissions process.
Start Early and Plan Strategically
Begin planning your campus visits as early as sophomore year. Look for opportunities during:
Upcoming days off
Vacation days
Teacher/staff development days
Visiting during the academic year provides a more authentic feel of campus life compared to summer tours. Pro tip: Some colleges offer specialized sessions (e.g., engineering, business, honors college) only on specific days, so plan accordingly.
Balancing Parent and Student Roles
While parents naturally want to gather all the information possible, it's essential to let your student take the lead:
Allow your child to ask most of the questions
Parents should limit their questions to those that are absolutely necessary
Save some questions for the student-led tour portion
Key areas to inquire about:
Campus traditions
Study abroad options
Career services quality
Unique programs
Weekend Life
Capturing Impressions
To avoid confusion between multiple campus visits:
Have your student write down their thoughts immediately after each tour
Parents should withhold their opinions until the student has shared theirs
Ask open-ended questions to encourage reflection
Enjoy the Journey
Remember to make the most of your college visit experience:
Explore the local town
Attend a school sporting event like basketball or football
Visit local attractions like ice cream shops or bookstores
Use this time to bond with your teen and have fun together
By following these tips, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the college visit process and help your student decide about their future education.
