Parent’s Guide to College Visits: How to Plan, What to Ask, and What to Look For (March 19, 2026)

Parent’s Guide to College Visits: How to Plan, What to Ask, and What to Look For (March 19, 2026)

Key Takeways:

  • Your job isn’t really to sell the school or say no… you’re teasing out of your student what excited them.” – Patricia Peek, Fordham University 
  • “Think of this not just as a tour, but as field research… you want to be a journalist… observe, verify, and collect your data.” – Dr. Cynthia Colón, Destination YOUniversity 
  • “Go back to your notes and start to look at the things that these schools have in common or don’t have in common.” – Emma Adebayo, University of Wisconsin–Madison
  •  “You won’t only be on that campus… spend some time around that town.” – Rebecca Donovan, University of Kentucky 

Video

Parent’s Guide to College Visits: How to Plan, What to Ask, and What to Look For

This BigFuture Live session helps parents and families turn campus tours into meaningful, confidence-building experiences not just quick walk-throughs.

Featuring insights from admission leaders, a college visit expert, and a best-selling author, this event breaks down how to approach college visits with purpose, ask the right questions, and help your teen find the right fit.

In this session, you’ll learn:

How to plan effective college visits before, during, and after you step on campus

What to look for beyond the standard campus tour

The most important questions to ask students, faculty, and admissions staff

How to evaluate “fit” across academics, social life, and campus culture

Tips for making the most of self-guided tours and multiple visits

How to help your teen reflect and make confident decisions

You’ll also hear practical advice on treating visits like “field research,” gathering real insights and capturing gut reactions that can shape your college list and future applications.

  • 57:06

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Parent's Guide to College Visits

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Video

How to Make Great College Visits

College visits are one of the best ways to figure out whether a school is the right fit, but only if you come prepared. This video walks students and families through how to plan meaningful college visits, what to look for on campus, and how to ask the right questions.

You’ll learn:
✅ How to prepare before your campus visit
✅ What to observe during tours, info sessions, and conversations
✅ Questions to ask students, faculty, and admissions staff
✅ How college visits help clarify fit and decision‑making

Make the most of your campus visits and gain confidence in your college choices.

#BigFuture #CollegeVisits #CampusTours #CollegeSearch #CollegePlanning #FindingTheRightCollege #HighSchoolStudents

  • 3:06