How to Pick the Best Schools to Visit with Your Teen

Why Visiting Colleges Matters

Campus visits provide an unparalleled opportunity to experience a school firsthand. Brochures and online tours are helpful, but nothing compares to walking the campus, interacting with current students, and getting a feel for the culture and environment.

These visits allow your teen to envision themselves at the school and assess whether it aligns with their academic, social, and personal goals. Visiting also gives you a chance to assess logistics, like travel distance, nearby amenities, and cost of living.

But visiting colleges without a plan can lead to stress, frustration, and wasted time. Let’s talk about how to make this process work for you and your family.

Step 1: Define Your Teen’s Goals

Before scheduling a single visit, sit down with your teen to discuss their goals and preferences. Consider:

• Academics: What majors or programs interest them?
• Location: Do they want to be in a city, suburb, or rural area?
• Cost: What is your family’s budget for college, and how do financial aid and scholarships factor in?
• Extracurriculars: Are there specific clubs, sports, or activities they want to pursue?

This conversation ensures you’re targeting schools that align with your teen’s aspirations while staying realistic about family priorities.

Step 2: Group Schools by Region

Efficient planning is key. When possible, group schools by geographic region to minimize travel time and maximize exposure to different campuses. For example, if you’re visiting Pennsylvania, consider exploring both urban and suburban campuses around Philadelphia.

This approach also allows you to add schools your teen may not have initially considered. Sometimes, discovering an unexpected gem during a trip is the highlight of the process.

Step 3: Research Before You Go

Heading to a campus unprepared can be a waste of time. Before your visit, spend time researching:

• Programs and Majors: Ensure the school offers your teen’s preferred major.
• Campus Culture: Check social media and forums for student perspectives.
• Visit Logistics: Confirm tour dates and times and register in advance when necessary.

Step 4: Balance Academics and Lifestyle

While academics are the primary focus, don’t overlook other aspects of campus life. Ask yourself:

• What does the surrounding area offer in terms of entertainment, dining, and internships?
• Does the school provide opportunities for personal and professional growth beyond the classroom?

Encourage your teen to visualize what their day-to-day life might look like. College is more than lectures—it’s where they’ll live, learn, and grow for four years.

Step 5: Keep It Manageable

It’s tempting to cram as many schools as possible into one trip, but this often leads to burnout. Stick to a schedule that allows time to reflect after each visit. This helps your teen retain their impressions and avoid confusion between campuses.

For instance, limit your itinerary to three or four schools if you're planning a long weekend trip. Discuss what they liked and didn’t like about each campus between visits.

Step 6: Collaborate with School Counselors

Your teen’s school counselor can be a valuable resource. Share your teen’s GPA, test scores, and academic interests to get personalized recommendations. Counselors often have insights about schools that align well with your teen’s profile.

By working together, you can create a list of schools worth visiting and ensure your efforts are well-directed.

Step 7: Know When to Ask for Help

Planning college visits is a complex task, and seeking professional guidance is okay. At Strategic Admissions Advice, we specialize in helping families like yours make informed decisions about the college process. Whether starting from scratch or refining your strategy, we’re here to help you succeed.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

As spring break approaches, now is the perfect time to schedule those visits and take charge of the college admissions process. Don’t let indecision or overwhelm delay this critical milestone.

Let us help you make the most of your time and resources. Schedule a free Discovery Call today, and let’s craft a college visit plan tailored to your teen’s needs.

The college journey doesn’t have to feel daunting. With a solid plan, you and your teen can enjoy this process and confidently make decisions.

Schedule Your Free Discovery Call Today