Making the Most of In-Person Campus Visits This Spring

Spring is in the air—which means blooming flowers, warmer weather, and for many high school students and families… college tour season!

If you’re gearing up for campus visits, you’re in for an exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) experience. The best time to tour? Spring of junior year or early fall of senior year when campuses are buzzing with activity. But no matter when you go, a little strategy can go a long way in making your visits worthwhile. Here’s how to get the most out of your college tours.

When to Visit: Timing Your Tours Like a Pro

📅 Spring of Junior Year – This is prime time to start exploring! Tour schools that spark your interest and come prepared with a few ideas about what you might want to study and what you’re looking for in a college. Spring break is also a great opportunity to visit multiple schools back-to-back. Road trip, anyone?

☀️ Summer – If summer is your only option, that’s okay—just keep in mind that campus life won’t be in full swing. Fewer students, no regular class schedule, and a quieter atmosphere mean you won’t get the real feel of day-to-day college life. But you can get a sense of location, setting, and climate. 

🍂 Fall of Senior Year – Time for round two! Whether revisiting top contenders or checking out schools you missed in the spring, fall visits can help finalize your choices before application season kicks into high gear.

How to Make Your Campus Visits Count

🎯 Do Your Homework & Stay Engaged Before you set foot on campus, spend some time researching each school. What’s their personality? What are they known for? What majors stand out? What clubs or activities catch your eye?

Once you’re there, position yourself front and center during the tour—no lingering in the back where you can’t see or hear! And don’t be shy about asking questions. Tour guides love engaged visitors, and this is your chance to get inside info straight from a current student.

As you decide which schools to visit, be sure to include Likely and Target options. While it’s fun to visit your “dream school,” staying realistic and getting excited about all of your options is an essential part of campus visiting—especially if those schools track demonstrated interest! 

👥 Talk to the People Who Know Best The official tour is great, but real insights come from real students. Strike up a conversation with students hanging out on the quad or grab a coffee at the campus café and chat with someone studying nearby. Even better? Sit in on a class in your intended major or catch up with a former high school classmate who’s already a student there.

🚶‍♂️ Explore Beyond Campus A big part of your college experience happens outside of campus boundaries. Check out the surrounding area—where do students eat, shop, or hang out? If you’re planning on having a part-time job or an off-campus apartment someday, is this a place where you’d actually want to live?

📝 Write It Down—You’ll Thank Yourself Later After a few tours, campuses can start to blend together. Take quick notes in your phone during or right after your visit. Jot down what stood out (good or bad), how the campus felt, and any quirky details that made an impact. If you’re into digital documenting, record a 30-second video of yourself highlighting your first impressions—the good, bad, and ugly. These notes won’t just help with decision-making—they might also give you great material for those pesky "Why This College?" essays!

As spring brings fresh starts and big decisions, we hope your college visits leave you feeling excited and inspired for what’s ahead!

📌 Want more tips? Watch Admit U’s Reels for expert advice. 💡 📱 Need a personalized college visit plan? Contact an Admit U counselor to tailor your spring tour schedule.  Stay connected! Follow Admit U on Instagram and Facebook for more college planning insights.