Should You Visit That College? Here’s How to Decide
College visits take time, money, and effort—so how do you know if a school is even worth visiting? Should you hop in the car (or on a plane) for a campus tour, or would you be better off just doing some research from home?
If you’re on the fence about visiting a school, here’s a simple way to decide.
1. Ask Yourself: Is This College a Realistic Option for Me?
Before you spend your time touring a campus, make sure it’s actually a contender. Ask yourself:
- Does it offer a major I’m interested in? (You’d be surprised how many students overlook this.)
- Can I afford it? (Not just tuition—think about scholarships, work options, and living expenses.)
- Does it align with my values? (This matters way more than just picking a school with a nice student center.)
If a college doesn’t check these basic boxes, it might not be worth visiting—at least not yet.
2. Have I Done My Research Yet?
You don’t need to visit a school just to get basic information—that’s what websites, social media, and virtual tours are for. Before planning a visit, do a little homework:
- Watch campus videos and student testimonials.
- Browse the school’s website (especially the admissions, financial aid, and student life pages).
- Search for student reviews to get an inside look.
If you still have big, unanswered questions after all this, then a visit could be valuable.
3. Will Visiting Help Me Picture Myself There?
Some things can’t be learned from a website. A visit can help you:
✅ See the campus atmosphere in real life.
✅ Meet professors and students face-to-face.
✅ Experience chapel, dorm life, and student activities.
If you’re seriously considering a college, a visit can give you clarity that research alone will not.
4. Am I Comparing Multiple Colleges?
If you’re choosing between a few schools, visiting at least two can help you compare:
- Which campus feels like home?
- Where do you connect with the people?
- Which school best prepares you for your future?
If you’ve already ruled out other options and are 100% set on a particular school, you might not need a visit (though it’s still a great idea if possible).
Should You Visit?
If a school is a realistic option, you’ve done your research, and you need to experience it in person to make a decision—then yes, visit!
But if you’re just casually exploring colleges or still unsure if college is even the right path, you might want to start with online research first.
Still unsure? Start with this article, “How to Research Any College Online in 30 Minutes or Less.” Once you are ready to visit some colleges, make sure you know how to make the most of it with our college visit guide, “Do THIS to Have a Great College Visit.”
For a more comprehensive guide for making your college decision, check out our free guide, “20 Questions to Answer If You’re Thinking about College.”
