Campus visits are most useful when you compare schools that feel similar on paper. The goal is to notice "day-to-day reality" -- not just the highlight reel.
Questions to ask (and why they matter)
- Academics: "How easy is it to take classes outside my major?" (access matters)
- Advising: "How are students supported in finding internships/research?"
- Career outcomes: "What does career support look like in practice?"
- Community: "What do students do on a typical weekend?"
- Housing: "How does housing work over four years?"
What to notice (signals, not vibes)
- Do students seem engaged in classes or just "getting through"?
- Is it easy to imagine your routine (food, study space, social life)?
- How accessible are faculty and resources?
- Is there a clear support structure for your interests?
Questions for students (best source)
- "What surprised you about being here?"
- "What do you wish you'd known before enrolling?"
- "How competitive are clubs/research opportunities?"
Quick post-visit notes (do this immediately)
- 3 things you liked (specific)
- 2 concerns you need to validate
- 1 sentence: "This school fits me because..."