Spring is right around the corner, which means it’s officially campus tour season! If you’re picturing yourself walking across a college quad next year, now’s the time to see if it feels like home. In a recent episode of Countdown2College, Gage spoke with Amy Gade, director of admissions for Wayne State College, about what matters most during a college visit and how to use campus tours to narrow down your perfect fit.

Why Campus Visits Matter

Visiting a college campus is how you start to picture yourself living there. Amy framed it this way: “You wouldn’t buy jeans without trying them on first.” College is a much bigger commitment and investment, so a campus tour is your chance to “try it on” before making your decision.

When to Start

When should you start scheduling visits? The fall or spring of your junior year is a great time to do your first visit. You’ll get to see campus while classes are in session and students are going about their everyday routines. If you visit during the summer, the campus will feel different, with fewer students and less activity. Amy recommended visiting more than once to see the place in its “bare bones” state over the summer and visiting again when it’s lively and full of energy.

Types of Campus Visits

Most schools offer a variety of visit options, so you can choose what works best for your schedule and preferences.

• Individual visits are one-on-one and personalized.
• Group/open house visits are typically less pressure, and you hear other students’ perspectives.
• Specialty visits may be right for transfer students or for families who speak other languages.
• Weekend options are helpful if you can’t miss school or work, though some offices may be closed.

Amy stressed that any visit is better than no visit! Choose the option that fits your schedule and take advantage of it.

Questions to Ask

There are no stupid questions on a campus tour. Student tour guides are there to help and share their real experiences. Not sure what to ask? Start simple and be curious.

• What’s your favorite thing about this school?
• Where do you study the most?
• What do you do for fun around town?
• How did you meet your friends?
• What’s something you wish you knew as a high school senior?

How to Make the Most of Your Visit

Don’t be afraid to speak up during your tour. If you want to talk to a specific department, visit a particular building or space (such as labs, theaters, or music halls), or learn about a sport, let the admissions office know in advance. Take notes during your tour, or jot down your first impressions on the ride home while everything is still fresh. What stood out? What felt exciting? What didn’t? Those quick reflections can help when campus visits start to blur together.

Final Advice

Amy’s biggest reminder: don’t overthink it. A campus visit helps you picture your day-to-day life there, and that matters more than a perfect sales pitch. You might feel an instant connection, or you might need time (and maybe a second visit) to be sure. Either way, make your college decision based on what feels right for you. Choose the place where you can truly envision yourself growing and building your future.