College Visits With Purpose: Making the Most of Campus Tours
Spring college visits are a special moment in the admissions journey. As a counselor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve walked beside hundreds of families navigating this process. What I’ve learned is this: when we center curiosity over stress, and connection over comparison, these trips can become some of the most meaningful moments you share with your teen.
Let’s begin with a bit of welcome news: you don’t need to take an expensive, faraway trip to start exploring colleges. In fact, if you’re based in or near Boston, you already live in one of the best college towns in the world. Within a two-hour radius, you can visit an expansive range of schools: urban and suburban, large and small, public and private. Starting locally not only saves money, but it also allows your student to build a frame of reference for what’s out there.
These early visits aren’t about choosing the perfect school; they’re about expanding awareness. Your student is just beginning to figure out what kind of college experience might be right for them. Encourage them to notice not just the architecture and academic programs, but the campus energy, student organizations, and how the community feels. Learning what they don’t want can be just as important as discovering a place they love. The college list takes time to develop fully; staying open-minded at this stage is key.
As a parent, your role is to support this exploration while letting your student lead. Try not to be overly vocal with your own reactions. Give your teen the space to express their own thoughts and feelings about each campus without having to navigate yours. It’s amazing how much clarity students gain when they’re trusted to speak for themselves.
Campus visits also provide an opportunity for an admissions element called “demonstrated interest.” Some (but not all) colleges track how much a student engages with them before applying. Attending an information session, going on the official tour, or checking in at the admissions office can signal genuine interest. If the school says they don’t track interest—believe them! In either case, take a deep breath and enjoy your time on each campus. If you’re not able to get to campus, not to worry! There are plenty of other ways to demonstrate interest. Students can make themselves known simply by adding themselves to colleges’ mailing lists, approaching admissions representatives at local college fairs, or attending regional admissions events where the college folks come to you.
Keep in mind that campus visits serve a dual purpose. First, they help your student assess fit. Second, they provide firsthand material for future supplemental essays. Many schools ask applicants to answer, “Why do you want to come here?” Encourage your student to jot down a few notes after each visit. Their future self will thank them.
Want to go deeper? Pick up a printed copy of the student newspaper – yes, they still exist – and consider chatting with students on campus. Ask them why they chose the school, what they love, and what kind of person tends to thrive there.
Finally, keep the days manageable: no more than two schools per day. Add in a fun dinner, a hike, or a museum stop. These moments of downtime create space for reflection and for connection.
College visits aren’t just about applications; they’re about dreaming. They’re about your student imagining life on their own, and you beginning to picture that, too. It’s a big moment. Treat it with care, curiosity, and joy.
