Advice from the College Visit Trail
Visiting colleges is an exciting yet sometimes overwhelming process. While experiencing some stress is to be expected, the opportunities for growth and reflection are invaluable in the decision-making process of the college search. I’ve visited hundreds of schools over the past decade in my roles as a school counselor, college counselor, and independent consultant. From my experience along the College Visit Trail, I would highly recommend turning your college visits into a memorable trip where you go beyond the official campus tour.
As an athletic recruit, you may have one or more programs interested in your athletic abilities. When it comes time to explore these colleges and universities for your unofficial visit(s), a little bit of preparation and organization in advance can create a more cohesive experience for you when exploring campus communities. Beyond your interest in the athletic program, explore the realms of student life that’ll ultimately become your day-to-day setting.
To get an authentic feel for the community, walk through student-frequented areas like the library, student center, or campus green. Check out local coffee shops, small businesses, and hangout spots where students spend their free time. Understanding the surrounding town or city is just as important as seeing the campus itself—take time to explore museums, historical landmarks, or parks. Seeing how the campus integrates with the local community can give valuable insight into what life will be like beyond the classroom and athletic setting.
Food can be an essential part of the experience, adding a cultural dimension to your trip. Many college towns have their own unique food scene, making it a fun adventure to try local specialties. For instance, visiting the University of Vermont wouldn’t be complete without sampling a maple creemee, while a trip to Vanderbilt University isn’t complete without exploring the hot chicken scene in Nashville. This adds an experiential element to the trip while providing a taste of the local culture that students will be immersing themselves in.
It’s important to plan for downtime to balance the intensity of college visits. Instead of packing your schedule with back-to-back tours, include breaks that allow for rest and exploration. Taking an afternoon to relax in a scenic park, attend a local event, or even just unwind at a café can make the trip feel less stressful. Downtime also allows for casual conversations about impressions of the schools, helping to process all the information gathered during the visits. As a student athlete, attending a game or event can also provide you with an inside look as to the culture of athletics on campus.
If possible, involve the whole family in the trip. Even if younger siblings aren’t looking at colleges yet, they can still enjoy the experience. Letting everyone have input on some of the trip’s activities or dining choices makes the journey more engaging and collaborative. Perspectives from family members can also help the prospective student weigh their options with additional insights from loved ones who see things they might not have considered.
By turning college tours into mini-vacations, families can enjoy quality time together while learning about schools of interest. As a prospective student athlete, it is important to fully immerse yourself in the non-athletic aspects of the school(s) in which you’re considering. This will allow for you to discover if the vibe fits what you’re looking for beyond the sport in which you’re being recruited for. Ultimately, initial campus visits can be an invaluable experience and time of self-reflection for high school student athletes.