When to Visit

How to Schedule Your Campus Visits

Schoolwork, your job, your parents... choosing the right time to go on campus visits may seem like a complicated procedure. But when you're planning your trip, just be sure not to lose sight of the reason you're going: to see if the school is a good fit for you. This means you need to see the college when classes are meeting and day-to-day activities are taking place. In other words, go when the college is in session.

How to Pick a Date

There's more than one right time to make campus visits. The trick to picking the right dates for you is to plan well ahead of time.

During the Week

Mondays through Thursdays are ideal since campuses are generally in full swing. Since junior and senior years can be busy for you, though, it's important not to let visits interfere with your schoolwork. If possible, try to visit during high school holidays that fall on Mondays, when most colleges are in session.

The Best Seasons

Late summer and early September before senior year are convenient times to visit, since many colleges begin their fall semester as early as mid-August. But generally, fall through winter, and sometimes early spring, are the seasons when seniors should conduct their explorations.

Spring of Junior Year

Juniors who have researched colleges should consider using spring vacations for college visits. Spring is also a good time of year if you play fall sports or are considering early action or early decision with application deadlines in November of senior year.

After You've Been Accepted

Many colleges invite their accepted candidates to spend a few days on campus before the May 1 reply date to encourage them to enroll. This is a good opportunity to make some in-depth comparisons between the colleges that have accepted you.

On the other hand, if you're planning to visit colleges only after you've received acceptances, you may find yourself in a difficult position. Consider that most colleges don't mail acceptance letters before April and that the standard reply date is May 1. This means you may have only a few weeks before the reply date to visit.

You could also be in a tight bind if, after visiting in person, you find you're not satisfied with your options. Visit before applications are due so that you're confident you'd be happy at any of the colleges on your list.

When Not to Go

Check specific dates with each college so you don't arrive when the campus is deserted.

When colleges aren't in session:
- Thanksgiving weekend
- Christmas week
- Winter and spring breaks
- Summer
When classes aren't meeting:
- Reading period
- Exam weeks
- Saturdays and Sundays
When the admissions office is closed to visitors

This article is adapted from the book Campus Visits & College Interviews by Zola Dincin Schneider.