Preparing For College: Planning College Visits
It might seem like college is forever away, but trust me, starting early gives you a serious edge. One of the best ways to figure out where you want to go after high school is by visiting colleges. Even if you don’t know what you want to major in or where you want to live, seeing campuses in person can help you narrow down your options and get excited about the future.
Here’s your step-by-step game plan for planning college visits like a pro:
Step 1: Start With a Wish List
You don’t need a final list of schools yet, but think about what might matter to you in the future. Ask yourself things like:
Do I want a big school or a small one?
Would I prefer a city, a college town or somewhere more rural?
Do I want to stay close to home or go far away?
Use questions like these to create a short list of colleges you’d like to visit. Not knowing the answers to these questions is also okay. You may not know what kind of location you’re looking for until you’re in it. At this stage, it’s all about exploring!
Step 2: Plan Ahead (But Not Too Far Ahead)
Most colleges welcome visitors year-round. Try to visit schools when classes are in session so you can see what campus life is really like. If visiting during the school week isn’t an option, consider going over a break or see if that campus hosts any weekend events. If traveling out to a school doesn’t seem like it will fit into your schedule, consider virtual sessions or check out if they offer virtual tours.
USC hosts information sessions that are paired with campus tours every Monday through Friday. You can even pair it with an academic department session to learn more about a specific program you have in mind. All of these options have a virtual option as well, for those that can’t make it out to LA (yet). You can also look into whether a school has a big Open House in the fall—which will give you the most bang for your buck. Our Discover USC Open House usually takes place in October.
Step 3: Map It Out
If you’re visiting more than one school during a trip, plan your route carefully. Try not to schedule more than two schools in one day; it’s easy to get overwhelmed, and you want to remember what each place was like!
If you’re planning to visit USC, you should also figure out what you’d like to do in LA either before or after your tour. Seeing campus is one thing, but you should also explore part of the city you could potentially be living in. Visiting USC and not sure where to start? Check out some of our other blog posts about Los Angeles!
Step 4: Explore Like a Student
When you’re on campus, go beyond the tour:
Dine somewhere on campus
Visit the student center
Check out the dorms (if allowed)
Sit in on a class (if allowed)
Talk to actual students!
The goal is to picture yourself living there for four years. Do you feel comfortable? Excited? Out of place? Your feelings matter!
Step 5: Snap Some Pics & Reflect
Take photos of things that stand out: unique buildings, cool spots on campus or even any events or activities that seem fun! And don’t forget to stop by the bookstore to grab yourself some college gear to commemorate the visit. Afterward, talk to your family or friends about what you noticed. Keep a journal or digital doc to track your impressions. These notes will help a ton when it’s time to apply later on.
Bonus: Don’t Stress the Details
You don’t need to have a major, a dream school or everything figured out right now. Visiting colleges is all about discovering what you like, and maybe what you don’t like. The more you explore, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time to apply.
College visits aren’t just about schools; they’re about you. Think of them as practice for big decisions you’ll make in the future. So, grab your backpack, bring your curiosity and go explore! You've got this.
Written By: Jessie Beeman, Assistant Director, USC Office of Admission