Now that they’ve been accepted, the visit will feel different. Unlike when students are just previewing a college, now they know the college wants them as a student. They’ll actually be imagining themself as an enrolled student during the campus visit.

The Overnight: Some colleges host special overnight visits for admitted students, enabling them to stay in dorms with a current student host. Candid glimpses of residential experiences help gauge compatibility with housing options and roommate dynamics. Build rapport with other accepted students and peers over dining hall meals or campus events as they form potential future friend group. If your student is interested in a college that doesn’t offer overnights, they could stay with a friend or relative who attends to get a taste of what life is like on that campus.

Imagine Life as a Student: During their visit, encourage your student to visualize a typical day on campus by sitting in on classes, meeting with academic departments about potential majors, and envisioning routes to frequent destinations like the library. Observe students flowing between classes and activities. Does the campus rhythm align with their temperament and learning priorities?

Get Real: What will they do on the weekends? How will they access transportation if they can’t bring a car? How will they fill a prescription if they take regular medicine? Where will they go to a doctor if they get sick? How would they travel home? If they need to get to an airport, how will they get there? If they have a learning difference and will need accommodations, where is the Disability Services (or Accessibility Services) office? Does the campus feel convenient and friendly? Finding out the answer to questions like these will help your student understand exactly what it would be like to live and study at a specific college.

Campuses hoping to win your enrollment commitment invest substantial resources into wooing admitted pupils. If your student is deciding between a few colleges, take full advantage by attending multiple accepted student days to determine where they see themselves thriving over the next four years.