Visiting colleges and the questions to ask

A campus visit shows you things no ranking can: how the place feels on a Tuesday afternoon, how students talk about their classes, and whether you can see yourself there. Plan the visit before you go, so you come home with answers.

Plan the visit

• Book the official tour and information session, usually through the admissions office. Many colleges also offer a visit day for prospective students.
• Use the college’s visit page on this site. It has a checklist of questions in four groups, and a calendar file you can add to your phone.
• Where a college has an official campus tour video, it is on the college’s page. It is posted by the college, so it is a good preview before you travel.
• Visit on a regular school day when you can, and eat in the dining hall, walk through the library and the residence halls.

Questions for admissions and financial aid

1. What did families at our income level actually pay last year, after grants?
2. Are scholarships renewable every year, and what must a student keep up to keep them?
3. How many applicants are admitted, and what do admitted students usually have in common?

Questions for students

1. What do students do on weekends?
2. How easy is it to find a group or club where you fit in?
3. Is housing guaranteed after the first year, and how do students choose where to live?

Questions for professors and career services

1. How large are first-year classes in my likely major, and who teaches them?
2. Where do graduates in this major work or continue their studies a year after graduating?
3. How early do students start working with career services?

After the visit

Write down what surprised you, good and bad, while it is fresh. Compare your notes with the numbers on the college page, and with the other colleges on your list. Keep your notes in My Schools, where you can add a note to each college.

Next steps

• Build your list with Building a balanced college list.
• Check what each college costs for your family in Sticker price vs. net price.