College visit evaluation checklist

A college visit is one of the most important steps in the college selection process. It allows students and families to experience campus culture, evaluate academic programs, assess facilities, and determine overall fit.

82 steps across 12 sections

1. Schedule and Logistics

  • Book visits during the academic year when classes are in session (avoid breaks/summer when campus feels empty)
  • Register for official campus tours and information sessions through the admissions office website
  • Request to sit in on a class in your intended major area
  • Schedule meetings with admissions counselors, financial aid officers, and professors if possible
  • Plan to visit 2-3 schools per trip if schools are geographically close, but avoid more than 2 in one day
  • Research the school beforehand so you can ask informed, specific questions rather than ones answered on the website

2. Pre-Visit Virtual Research

  • Take the school's virtual tour online before visiting in person to identify areas you want to see up close
  • Review the school's social media (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok) for student-created day-in-the-life content
  • Check the school's academic catalog for programs, majors, and course offerings
  • Look up recent news about the school, notable achievements, and any controversies
  • Review the Common Data Set for admission statistics, retention rates, and graduation rates

3. What to Bring

  • Notebook and pen (or phone for notes)
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Campus map (downloaded or printed)
  • List of prepared questions
  • Camera or phone for photos
  • Charger/power bank
  • Weather-appropriate clothing

4. Academics

  • Sit in on at least one class in your intended major
  • Visit the department office for your intended major
  • Ask about class sizes (intro courses vs. upper-level)
  • Ask about student-to-faculty ratio
  • Check if courses are taught by professors or teaching assistants
  • Ask about research opportunities for undergraduates
  • Visit the library and academic resource/tutoring center
  • Ask about academic advising structure and availability
  • Inquire about internship and career placement rates
  • Ask about study abroad programs and how credits transfer

5. Campus Life

  • Eat in the dining hall (pay attention to food quality and variety)
  • Tour the residence halls (ask to see different room types)
  • Visit the student center/union
  • Check out recreational and fitness facilities
  • Look at bulletin boards and student publications for club/activity offerings
  • Observe student interactions in common areas (coffee shops, lounges)
  • Assess diversity of the student body
  • Walk around the surrounding neighborhood/town
  • Check public transportation options and parking availability
  • Visit campus hangout spots, coffee shops, and social areas

6. Facilities

  • Assess the condition of buildings (well-maintained vs. outdated)
  • Check technology in classrooms (projectors, Wi-Fi, power outlets)
  • Visit science labs, art studios, or other specialized facilities relevant to your major
  • Tour the career services center
  • Visit the health center and mental health services
  • Check the bookstore
  • Look at athletic and recreational facilities
  • Assess accessibility for students with disabilities

7. Safety

  • Ask about campus security measures (blue-light phones, security patrols)
  • Inquire about the campus emergency notification system
  • Ask about "safe ride" transportation programs for evenings
  • Check the campus crime statistics (Clery Act reports are public)
  • Observe lighting on walkways and parking areas
  • Ask about escort services for walking at night

8. Financial Aid Office

  • Visit the financial aid office in person
  • Ask about merit scholarships specific to your profile
  • Inquire about the appeals process for financial aid awards
  • Ask about scholarship renewal requirements (GPA minimums, etc.)
  • Ask about work-study opportunities and on-campus employment
  • Get clarity on tuition increases over the past 5 years

9. Questions for Current Students

  • What do you love most about this school? What would you change?
  • How accessible are professors outside of class?
  • What is the social scene like on weekends?
  • Do you feel safe on campus?
  • How is the food? Do options get repetitive?
  • What surprised you most after enrolling?
  • How competitive or collaborative is the academic environment?

10. Questions for Admissions Counselors

  • What is the average class size for first-year students?
  • What percentage of students graduate in 4 years?
  • What support exists for undecided students?
  • What makes this school different from peer institutions?
  • What is the typical first-year schedule for my intended major?
  • How are roommates matched in freshman housing?

11. Questions for Professors

  • What research are you currently working on?
  • Are undergraduates involved in research projects?
  • What career paths do graduates from this department typically pursue?
  • How often do you meet with students outside of class?
  • What is the most popular course in the department?

12. Making the Most of Virtual Tours

  • Treat it like an in-person visit eliminate distractions, take notes, and engage fully
  • Explore beyond the main tour look for interactive campus maps, recorded info sessions, academic department spotlights, student panels, and virtual open houses
  • Take screenshots of things that stand out (dorms, dining, facilities)
  • Watch student-created content on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok for unfiltered perspectives
  • Attend live virtual events (Q&As, open houses) where you can ask questions in real time
  • Use virtual tours as pre-screening to narrow your list before spending time and money on in-person visits

Common Mistakes

  • Visiting only on weekends or during breaks
  • Not preparing questions in advance
  • Letting one bad experience (weather, tour guide) color the entire evaluation
  • Only taking the official tour
  • Skipping the financial aid office

Pro Tips

  • Visit your top-choice school last
  • Use the same evaluation rubric for every school
  • Talk to students NOT on the tour
  • Drive or walk the neighborhood
  • Check the campus at night

Sources

Related Checklists