Juniors: What to do if time and money are considerations in scheduling a college visit

While extremely important, visits are not a possibility for every applicant. If scheduling or cost may prevent you from visiting or if you must be selective about which schools to visit, consider the following strategies:

1. Visit online. Many schools offer online tours -- via the web or an app. Check the websites of the colleges on your list to see what they offer. And also check out Collegiate Choice (their videos are unauthorized but give you a good look at campus life); eCampus Tours (360-degree tours of over 1200 campuses); and Campus Tours (their database has thousands of virtual tours, interactive maps, and video). All these resources are at no cost.
2. If you have to pick and choose which campuses to visit, see the solid schools on your list where you are most likely to be admitted.
3. If you can visit only once, visit after you've enrolled.

Schools understand not all students may be able to visit and it should not have a negative impact on your application. However, if you live within a reasonable driving distance, the college may expect you to visit. Keep that in mind as you make your plans.

For more information about college visits, including planning and scheduling, see Chapter 9, “College Visits” in College Admission: From Application to Acceptance, Step by Step.