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You're standing in the middle of the quad, with your college materials in hand, and suddenly it hits you–this is where the next four years begin. Finding the right college is a huge team effort for both students and parents and what feels like a single afternoon on campus can help turn college stress into excitement.
Published on 11/05/2026
Choosing a college is a big decision, and visiting campus is one of the best ways to see if a specific school is a good fit for you. Before you travel for a visit, check out our top tips to plan for a successful college tour.
Pre-Trip Planning
1. Schedule your visit with the college
While many colleges are able to help prospective students and families on a walk-in basis, signing up for a visit ahead of time will give you the best experience. Some colleges offer special opportunities, like talking with faculty in a specific major, participating in a class, or engaging in a unique program that may not always be accessible to visitors.
2. Think about timing
If you plan a visit for a weekend, remember that classes are likely not in session and many students won’t be on campus. If you want to get the best feel for a regular day on a campus, try scheduling during a weekday if you can. Same goes for holidays. While a fall, winter, or spring break might be the only time you are able to plan a trip, be mindful that a college campus might feel quiet during these regular breaks.
3. Do some online research ahead of time
Go through the school’s website to learn more about the basics and make notes about any topics you want more information about. You want to make the most of your time on the campus, so plan to get answers to the hard-to-find questions you have! In additional to questions about the school, learn more about where the school is located and plan to visit the surrounding neighborhood(s) to see what else is nearby.
During the Visit
1. Plan ahead and be on time
Make sure you are prepared to arrive on time, dressed appropriately for the weather! Most colleges will run visits rain or shine, so be prepared for traveling around the campus regardless of the weather. Bring your list of questions and a place to take notes during the visit.
2. Make the most of the trip
If you attend a campus tour or program that is only 2 hours long, plan to stay on campus to get a better sense of the place. Sit in the student center, read a book or magazine in the library, grab a coffee or lunch on campus, or just walk around to enjoy the scenery.
3. Let the student lead the way
If you are a prospective college student, make your interest and voice heard on the tour. Many colleges collect and track student visit information, so if you visit a completive school that you are very interested in, don’t leave without making your interest known. If you are the parent, allow your child to feel empowered to lead their own visit experience, asking important questions that may be forgotten along the way.
After the Visit
1. Follow up communication
Sometimes, it may be appropriate to send a personalized thank you to someone who you met during your visit. Or, maybe you just have additional questions. Either way, don’t skip on the post-visit communications that might help you clarify if a school is a good fit or further demonstrate your interest.
2. Review your notes
Take time to reflect on your visit and consider how what you saw impacts your future planning during the college admissions process. Maybe you learn that a school is no longer of interest to you. make sure to cross it off your list and “opt out” of further communication. Or, maybe a school you were unsure about is not a favorite. Make sure you review the application process and deadlines and follow through with any steps that are needed to move forward.
Other Tips
1. Special visit programs
Many colleges offer special programs throughout the year. If you are very interested in a specific school, take time to go through their admission calendar of events to see if anything interests you. Some schools have overnight visits, or tours about specific programs or majors, so plan ahead to get the most out of your visit.
2. It is never too early to visit
Most colleges offer regular visits throughout the year, and students of any age are typically welcome to visit. There is no reason to wait until your senior year to start narrowing down your choices, so start visiting earlier in high school so you are more prepared when it is time to apply.
If you are ready to start visiting campuses, you can begin your search now using MyHigherEd’s College Search: https://myhighered.mn.gov/colleges
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