College Visits

There are two types of college visits that prospective student athletes may participate in.  Unofficial visits may take place at any time beginning as early as 9^th grade, and Official visits which may only take place after July 1 of the beginning of a student’s senior year.  Official visits are strictly monitored in accordance with NCAA rules and regulations. 

A Guide to Planning for “Unoffical” College Visits

Some colleges gauge the level of interest by the number of contacts made during the college selection process.  In addition to the campus visit, some of these contacts may include phone calls, a college fair, the secondary school visit, a local meeting and/or reception, or an interview.  Take full advantage of the following local options.

College Representatives at Your School

In addition to visiting college campuses, many students meet with college representatives at their school.  These visits provide students with valuable opportunities to hear first-hand information about curriculum, campus facilities, student housing and organizations, as well as about admission requirements.  Check with you high school counselor for information about college representatives visiting your school.

College Fairs

Most cities schedule college fairs in the fall and the spring.  These fairs offer students access to representatives from a wide array of institutions in one central location during a concentrated period of time.  Typically the format is designed for students to stop by specific tables, to sign-up for the college/universities mailing list, and to ask questions of the representatives. 

Do Research

Use College GAMEplan's unique and powerful Virtual Campus Tour to research and tour schools that interest you before you visit.  Just click on the link below for a quick and easy link to hundreds of college admissions and athletic web sites.

                            Virtual Campus Tours     (click here)

Before meeting a college representative or visiting a campus, inform yourself.  Research allows the student to ask probing questions that cannot be answered in guidebooks. 

Try to identify specific areas of interest, including athletics and academics, so the representative can be aware of your interest and respond appropriately.

A note about majors:  At this point many students are undecided about their academic plans.  This is completely acceptable since “undeclared” is generally the most common first year “choice”.  However, you should prepare some questions about the school’s academic program.

Visit The Campus

The purpose of a campus visit is to allow students and families a deeper look at colleges of interest.  Reference books and guidebooks provide the statistics but the campus visit provides the “feel”.

The Information Session

Depending on the size of the institution, the time of year, and other circumstances, this presentation may be a one-on-one conversation with an admissions representative, a coach, or a presentation to a large group.  This session almost always concludes with time for questions and answers.

The Tour

Some campus tours consist of a single family; others consist of ten families.  The guide may be a current/former student, a coach, or an admissions officer.  Since the tour is an opportunity for the college to show you what it wants to show you, it is important that you also leave time to explore the campus on your own.  Buy a soda in the student center and observe the people and their activities.  And be sure to stop students and ask them what they like and dislike about the school.  You’re likely to hear a lot of valuable good and bad information that you won’t hear from coaching and admissions staff.

Tips on Planning a Visit

• Institutions have different visiting procedures; some colleges may have limited appointment slots or specific tour/presentation times.

• Schedule your appointment as soon as possible.

• Tell your college counselor when you are planning a trip.  You may receive important suggestions specific to you and she/he is always interested in your process and progress.

 When Do I Visit?

The campus visit is an important aspect of the college selection process.  During these visits students attempt to determine whether a particular institution is a good match.  Determine the purpose – there are three distinct phases:

• If you are just starting out, you are trying to determine which style to consider.

• If you know your parameters, you are trying to decide where to apply.

• If you have been accepted, you are trying to make a final decision.

After all the research, internet, and guidebook comparisons, the visit brings each campus to life.  Many families take advantage of vacation time to make some campus visits, while others may choose to visit during the school year when college classes are in session.

Some students find that initial campus visits help them to narrow the list of schools to which they apply.  A second visit may help with making a final decision.  Whatever the specific timeline, there is no substitute for a campus visit.

Three Types Of Unofficial Visits

1. Drop-in:  This is the visit during which most students do their “shopping”.  Students participate in a group information session, take a group tour, and make contact with the admissions officer and coach, either by signing in or by having a brief conversation.

2. Individual informational appointment:  Similar to drop-in but requires more preparation since an admissions representative or coach takes the time to meet with you personally.  They are trying to measure your interest in his/her college and to other specific information.

3. Interview:  Sometimes for a scholarship competition, sometimes for admissions purposes, this visit is more evaluative than the first two options and it requires the most preparation.

The Initial Call:  (Questions You Might Ask)

• Is the appointment individual or group? (preparation will differ for each)

• When are the tour and presentation times? (often 10:00 am and 2:00 pm)

• Will you send me directions to the campus?

• Are there special parking areas?

• May I sit in on a class?

• May I talk to the coach/faculty member?  (remember that coaches cannot talk officially with a prospective student until after July 1 following the 11^th grade year)

Many colleges follow up with a confirmation letter and map of the campus.

Key Questions

Use these questions to develop your own

• How are you treated?
• Are the people kind, helpful, informed?
• How diverse is the campus population?
• Do you see the students and teachers interacting?
  What are the “hot” issues on campus?
• Which student activities are most popular?
• What issues does the student newspaper address?
• What is on the bulletin boards?
• Is the campus well maintained?
• Is the campus safe?
• What about transportation to off-campus events?
• What are the housing options?
• What are the dining options?

• What is the surrounding community like?

Use your answers to determine:

       Would you feel comfortable on this campus?
       Would you be challenged on this campus?
 

College Evaluation Worksheet

After each college visit, list your thoughts about the campus on your College GAMEplan College Rating Worksheet.  In order to fairly compare different campuses on an equal scale, it is important that you update your college visits on this worksheet within 36 hours of your return from each visit.  By weighting the categories especially important to you, your College Rating Worksheet will identify and rank the college that best matches your interests. 

Official Visits

Rules for official visits vary by division level and are strictly governed by the NCAA.  Students cannot conduct an official visit until after July 1 of the beginning of their senior year.  Click on the link below to determine the rules for the level of school you are considering: