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Should I Visit All 22 Colleges on My List Before Applying?

I have 22 schools on my list right now and I am hoping to apply to 15. I told my mother that I'll decide which schools to cut from the list based on our tours. She said touring 22 schools is not smart and we can tour after I get accepted to schools. But isn't it important for us to tour before I apply?

As a mother myself, “The Dean" takes great pleasure in saying, “Your mom is right!" Well, she may not always be right, but this time I'm on her side. Although a campus visit can indeed be a helpful way to evaluate your target colleges and to craft a careful list, seeing 22 colleges is not only too time-consuming and expensive for most students and parents -- but, above all, it will probably lead to a serious case of TMI -- Too Much Information, that is.

A well-planned college visit usually includes an information session with an admissions staff member and a tour with a student guide. In some cases, an interview is available (and advisable) as well. Many folks also recommend sitting in on classes, but “The Dean" actually sees mixed value here. I do, however, recommend that prospective students spend time hanging out where the college students hang out (the campus center? The gym? The Pizza Palace in town?) and, in some cases, it's important to schedule meetings with coaches, with disability services coordinators and health professionals, or with faculty members (although that's not part of a typical visit). When possible, it's very worthwhile to cruise the area nearby, with the aim of locating everything from neighboring colleges to cafes, supermarkets and shopping malls, or the elementary school where you hope to volunteer.

But doing this nearly two dozen times could not only drain the family coffers but also ultimately raise more questions than are answered. Trust me, by the time you're on your sixth or seventh college tour, you'll be tired of hearing about all the caring, sharing professors who keep their office doors wide open or about the hundreds of exciting clubs that are available to you (or the chance to start your own if nary a one of those hundred meets your needs).

Instead, for now, pare down your list to your favorite 10 or 12 (and even fewer, if those visits aren't practical or affordable). Obviously, you'll want to group your schools by location (i.e., it's easier to see Bates and Bowdoin on the same trip than it is to visit Tulane and Tufts together), but also pay attention to “type." Are some of your top 22 large universities while others are liberal arts colleges? Are some of them smack in the middle of cities while others are in college towns ... or more like the middle of nowhere? As you plan your trip schedules, you should aim to include representatives of these different categories, and that should help you whittle down your list. For instance, once you decide that Penn State is way too huge (or too cold), you can probably cut Michigan and Wisconsin from the roster. If Middlebury feels too rural, say goodbye to Kenyon and Colby! And “type" also extends beyond size and location. If you adore the open curriculum at Brown, perhaps you need not see Columbia which takes pride in its venerable core requirements.

Also make sure that you consider admission risk when you map out your travels. It's far more important to visit “Match" and “Safe" colleges than it is your “Reach" schools. In fact, I often suggest that the first college that each students tours should be the favorite among the realistic or even sure-thing options. It's smart to see such places when you're fresh and enthusiastic, and it can take enormous pressure off of the whole crazy admissions process when you fall in love from the get-go with a place that is highly likely to say yes.

Although “The Dean" does understand your urge to see every college that that's on your current list, you'll ultimately get more out of each visit if you limit them. But do be aware that many colleges – whether they own up to this or not — will consider “demonstrated interest" when making admission decisions. So if you can't visit a place to which you've applied, it can be important to show your love in other ways. Definitely email your regional admissions rep (this is the staff member who oversees applicants from your high school. You can find the name on the college website or via a phone call to the admission office). Explain to your rep that you're excited about this school (and even name a couple specific reasons why -- reasons that don't apply to every college in the country) but your mom has restricted your visit until after you've received a decision. Meanwhile, be sure to attend programs in your area, if any (e.g., college fairs, meetings with admission staff at your school). Your regional rep can fill you in on what's scheduled.

Finally, as your mother has wisely recommended, when spring of senior year rolls around, if you haven't seen every college that admitted you and some of these turn out to be frontrunners once all of your verdicts are in, then you can take those trips to campus (and maybe even re-visit some places you've been to already). Although touring colleges before you apply is certainly valuable, it's those post-acceptance trips that truly allow you to envision where you most want to be in a few short months, as you realize that you aren't just window-shopping anymore but are about to make a potentially life-changing choice.

If you'd like to submit a question to College Confidential, please send it along here .

Sally Rubenstone

Sally Rubenstone knows the competitive and often convoluted college admission process inside out: From the first time the topic of college comes up at the dinner table until the last duffel bag is unloaded on a dorm room floor. She is the co-author of Panicked Parents' Guide to College Admissions; The Transfer Student's Guide to Changing Colleges and The International Student's Guide to Going to College in America. Sally has appeared on NBC's Today program and has been quoted in countless publications, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Weekend, USA Today, U.S. News & World Report, Newsweek, People and Seventeen. Sally has viewed the admissions world from many angles: As a Smith College admission counselor for 15 years, an independent college counselor serving students from a wide range of backgrounds and the author of College Confidential's "Ask the Dean" column. She also taught language arts, social studies, study skills and test preparation in 10 schools, including American international schools in London, Paris, Geneva, Athens and Tel Aviv. As senior advisor to College Confidential since 2002, Sally has helped hundreds of students and parents navigate the college admissions maze. In 2008, she co-founded College Karma, a private college consulting firm, with her College Confidential colleague Dave Berry, and she continues to serve as a College Confidential advisor. Sally and her husband, Chris Petrides, became first-time parents in 1997 at the ripe-old age of 45. So Sally was nearly an official senior citizen when her son Jack began the college selection process, and when she was finally able to practice what she had preached for more than three decades.

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Complete College Visit Checklist

By Jacky Gilchrist

June 23, 2023

Choosing where to go to college is a major decision. You’ll need to decide not only which school suits your career goals and other interests, but also where you’ll feel comfortable living for four years (or longer if you attend grad school there). College visits are essential for the decision-making process. Visiting the schools on your shortlist will help you determine which one is best for you.

Plus, attending an information session and interviewing with an admissions officer during your visits are excellent ways of demonstrating your interest to the school, which may benefit your admissions chances. Use the following college visit checklist to plan your trip and get the most out of it.

Things To Do Before A College Visit

1. do a little research on colleges of interest.

The first item on your college visit checklist is to research some schools of interest. If you haven’t already, you’ll need to put together a shortlist of about five to 10 schools that you think you might like to attend and that would support your career goals. Explore their websites, review any promotional materials they send you, and talk to your high school guidance counselor about your options.

2. Choose which colleges to visit

You might not visit every college on your shortlist, especially if that list is longer. First, talk to your parents about college visits. How many visits will they be able to accommodate? What are their geographic restrictions, if any? Do you need to limit your visits to schools within driving range or is a flight or two possible? Once you know what your parameters are, you can decide which campuses to prioritize.

3. Sign up for official tours

Now that you know which campuses you’re aiming to visit, the next item on your college visit checklist is to decide when you’ll be able to get to each. Depending on geography and your school schedule, it may make sense to cluster a couple of campus visits together into one long weekend. After planning the travel logistics with your parents, visit the school websites and sign up for official tours on those dates. It’s also a good idea to reach out to the admissions offices and ask about scheduling interviews on those dates.

4. Write a list of questions

Next, develop a list of questions to ask on your college tours and during your interviews. You might want to ask about academics and specific departments, extracurriculars, campus life, and admissions. For a list of good questions to ask, check out this blog.

5. Research the town

Your campus will be your home away from home for four years, so it’s important to make sure you’ll be happy there. However, you’ll definitely want to venture off campus, as well, so spend some time researching the town ahead of your visit. You’ll want to explore points of interest, do some touristy things, and check out the local restaurants. You’ll also want to know if there’s a supermarket close to campus, nearby healthcare (hospitals and pharmacies), convenient transportation (train station, subway, bus, airports, etc.), and, if you have a car, a mechanic close to campus.

What to Do During Your College Visit

6. dress in office casual attire.

If you have an interview on campus, you should wear or bring business casual clothing, such as a shirt and tie with slacks or a skirt and blouse. Otherwise, you can dress a little more informally. Khaki pants and a polo shirt or a sundress are both appropriate outfits. Try not to dress too casually and avoid showing too much skin.

7. Take the official tour

Although it’s also a good idea to wander around on your own, you should also plan on taking the official tour. Your tour guide will almost certainly be a current student. They will show you all of the major points of interest, such as a dormitory, academic building, library, student center, and dining halls.

Do note that the official tour will likely not include older or outdated parts of campus; the college wants to put their best foot forward, just as you do. It may also not include all of the parts of the campus that you want to see, such as the academic building for your intended major, sports facilities, and so on. You can explore those areas after the official tour.

8. Pay attention to where the students are

As long as you aren’t visiting the campus during the summer or another school break, there should be plenty of college students roaming around. Making a note of where the students are can tell you a lot about the campus culture. If the library is jam-packed, for example, it’s a safe bet that the school prioritizes academics. Similarly, seeing a lot of students relaxing in the sunshine on the quad could indicate that the school is relatively laid back.

9. Explore the campus beyond the tour

You’ll definitely want to check out as much of the campus as you have time for. This is not the best time to rush things; take your time strolling around and soak up the atmosphere. Don’t forget to take plenty of notes about your first impressions. In addition, take pictures of points of interest to refresh your memory later. You should also take pictures of yourself smiling in front of various buildings or other features (see the section on social media below).

10. Talk to lots of people, not just your tour guide

Your official tour guide will give you the company line, so to speak. While that can be helpful, it’s also a good idea to talk to other people around campus to get the less polished view of the school. Try to talk to students, sports team members, club members, and so on.

11. Explore your intended major

If you already know what you want to major in, you should definitely take the time to explore that particular academic building. The condition of the building itself, its available technology, and its size can give you a clue as to how much that major is valued at that school and what sort of resources/programs you might have available to you.

12. Check the school bulletin boards

You’ll likely find bulletin boards scattered around, particularly in the student center. Snap some pictures to look at later. The notices posted there can give you a clue about the social, political, or religious pulse of the campus community.

13. Check the classrooms

Colleges generally have a mix of large lecture halls and smaller classrooms, perhaps set up conference room-style. Does the school tend to have tons of lecture halls and few smaller classrooms that support greater interaction? That can tell you something about the academics there. Similarly, make a note of the technology available in the classrooms.

14. Check the dorms that aren’t on the tour

The tour guide will show you the newest, snazziest-looking dorm on campus. Ask if you can see one of the older ones to get a sense of where you might actually be living if you don’t land a spot in a newer dorm.

15. Be respectful to others

This goes without saying, but it’s definitely important to be on your best behavior while on your college visit. Treat others as you would want to be treated.

16. Keep a record of your visit

You’ll want to take plenty of notes and snap lots of pictures during each of your college visits. This will help jog your memory later as you spend some time reflecting on your first impressions of the schools.

17. Read a student newspaper

Student newspapers can give you a clue as to the pulse of the school community. Is there a vibrant arts scene? Are there regular activities and events? Do the other students seem engaged in campus life?

18. Try the food in the cafeteria

This item on your to-do list will be especially important if you have any food allergies or sensitivities. If so, make an effort to speak to a few of the cafeteria workers about the menu and whether there are plenty of choices available to you.

19. Visit the bookstore

The campus bookstore will be where you’ll purchase your textbooks along with any other classroom supplies you may need. Does it appear well-stocked? Are workers readily available to help students if they need it?

20. Look into clubs and organizations

On-campus clubs and other activities are the lifeblood of a school’s social scene. Does the school offer a bunch that look interesting to you? Can you attend a club activity while you’re there?

21. Ask about job opportunities for students

Higher education institutions customarily offer student employment opportunities. This may be available as part of a financial aid package. Although you won’t be applying just yet, it never hurts to find out what sort of opportunities could be available to you. Consider asking your tour guide which jobs are the most popular, and therefore, the hardest to get.

22. Find the library and ask about its resources

Although it might seem inconceivable, not everything is findable on Google. A robust campus library will be essential for your success in college. Take plenty of time to explore the library and don’t hesitate to chat with a librarian about its resources. Is there a media room? Does it offer archives and special collections? Are there small meeting rooms available for student study groups?

What to Do After Your College Visit

23. reflect on your visit and adjust your shortlist accordingly.

Your college visit checklist isn’t quite complete yet! There are also some steps you should take after your visit. Spend some time thinking about the experience. What did you like and dislike about the school? Do you have any concerns or follow-up questions? Consider whether you should rank the school higher on your shortlist or perhaps downgrade or eliminate it.

24. Send thank you notes

Even if you aren’t sure whether the school is the right one for you, it’s always a good idea to send thank you notes. Send a thank you email or written note to the admissions officers and other reps you may have met. This will help you make a good impression and it’s always nice to be polite.

25. Reach out with follow-up questions

If you do have any follow-up questions, you can include them in your thank you emails to the admissions officers. Even if you didn’t meet with an admissions officer during the visit, you can send a quick, polite email to the office with your questions. Mention that you recently visited the school and then type a brief list of questions.

26. Post college visit pics to your social media, if applicable

You might already know that hiring managers often check job applicants’ social media profiles before deciding whether to extend a job offer. But did you know that admissions officers might do this, as well? It may be beneficial for you to post happy pictures of you on campus and mention how much you enjoyed the experience. This demonstrates your interest in the school—admissions staff like to see applicants who engage with the school.

Why is it important to plan a campus visit?

It’s hard to know if you’ll like a car enough to buy it before you test drive it. College campus visits are similar. They serve as a test drive, allowing you to get a feel for the vibe of the campus and the rigor of the academics. Up to this point in your life, choosing a college will be one of the most significant decisions you’ll make. It’s important to be happy with your choice.

Are college tours worth it?

Our experts have worked with thousands of college-bound students over the years. Many of them have mentioned that campus visits played a major role in their decision. College tours are absolutely worth the time and expense because you’ll be able to make a decision more confidently.

What should you bring to a college visit?

You don’t need to pack as if you’re going on a week-long hiking excursion, but you should bring a few items to help you get the most out of the experience. You’ll want your phone (to take pictures), a notepad and a couple of pens (to take notes), and a prepared list of questions and places that you’d like to visit. If you’ll be doing an interview on campus, remember to dress appropriately. (And don’t forget to bring a copy of this college visit checklist so you get the most out of your campus trip.)

What month is best for college visits?

There’s no universal right or wrong answer. However, it’s often preferable to visit during a semester so that you can get a sense of what the campus is like when all of the students are there. Additionally, if you’re from a warm climate, visiting a cold climate school during the winter can be a good way to gauge whether you can handle the cold weather. However, if you’re unable to visit during a semester, take advantage of spring break or summer vacation to plan your college visits. Be sure to check for available tours before making any plans.

What should you not ask on a college tour?

There really aren’t any dumb questions. However, you should research the school thoroughly online first. Try to avoid asking questions that can be easily answered with a little online research. In addition, it’s best not to ask your tour guide personal questions or to request special favors.

What can I expect on a college visit?

College visits generally include structured and unstructured components. You’ll almost always have an information session and a campus tour, and perhaps an interview. At some colleges, you may also be able to arrange to attend a class, club meeting, or sports practice, or meet with a professor. You’ll also have some unscheduled time, during which you can explore the campus on your own and check out the surrounding community.

Need help preparing for college?

At KD College Prep, our mission is to help students get into the colleges of their dreams through test prep programs (including online learning options) and college counseling services. Schedule a free consultation to get started. We can’t wait to learn more about your goals!

Jacky Gilchrist is a blog writer for KD College Prep.

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“I am very grateful that KD was able to offer so many resources and guides for the SAT® and PSAT tests. They really helped me get a good grasp on the types of questions that the SAT exam tested on, and... Read more...

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“KD taught me so many useful strategies for the SAT® & PSAT/NMSQT® tests. They helped me improve my SAT score by over 400 points, and I got done with the SAT test... Read more...

Praneel S. – Class of 2023

“My time and experiences at KD College Prep have efficiently guided and prepared me for my future educational career as a college student. Not only did KD help me with college entrance exams but also provided numerous informational seminars that helped me with the various steps required for college admissions. At KD I enjoyed learning from amazing teachers, who cared for each of their students individually and were ready to help wherever it was needed. Being a student at KD has also helped me figure out which learning techniques work best for me. The opportunity to engage in different learning methods such as small group interactive learning, larger group discussions, or individual practice are all ways that helped me come up with a learning... Read more...

“My time and experiences at KD College Prep have efficiently guided and prepared me for my future educational career as a college student. Not only did KD help me with college entrance exams but also provided numerous informational seminars that helped... Read more...

Tanisha P. – Class of 2020

“ My feedback can only be positive, given how much you helped me get ahead with my application process. I really appreciated how much work both of you put into helping me write the best essay possible, especially reviewing my essays twice to polish them completely. In addition, I have noticed that writing my resume has released a lot of stress off my shoulder when it comes to making sure I have all the things necessary to apply to schools. ”

“ My feedback can only be positive, given how much you helped me get ahead with my application process. I really appreciated how much work both of you put into... Read more...

Claudia A. – Class of 2020

“My favorite things about KD were the mirroring it had to actual test questions, the availability, and the relationships you built with all the teachers and advisors who made the process of learning easier. I think that after you started going to a good amount of classes and the workshops, you knew every teacher, and they were always available to answer any questions that you had...Everyone was just so welcoming and made learning more engaging for the students, especially with the workshops. All of had their own unique style of teaching which never made a class boring.”

“My favorite things about KD were the mirroring it had to actual test questions, the availability, and the relationships you built with all the teachers and advisors who made the process of... Read more...

Rishab P. – Class of 2021

“I want to thank both of you so very much for making this dream come true. When I first came to KD, I wanted to get a score of 1520 or above... So many people told me it would be impossible to reach my desired score. After months of using KD's methods my scores definitely improved but hovered around 1350—still not near the score I needed but closer. After finally working with both of you during one on ones, my scores started to see heavy improvement and while I didn't get a score of 1520 or above as a single score, I got it as a  superscore ... Read more...

“I want to thank both of you so very much for making this dream come true. When I first came to KD, I wanted to get a score of 1520 or... Read more...

David P. – Class of 2022

“It takes a village to raise a child—this is so true. KD College Prep staff have been nothing but uplifting to my child and to us parents through their eager attitudes to assist, in-depth guidance and unparalleled wisdom. I am in awe at the consistent level of professionalism yet genuine concern for each and every person that walks through their doors. Thank you KD staff for being great mentors for our children!”

“It takes a village to raise a child—this is so true. KD College Prep staff have been nothing but uplifting to my child and to us parents through their eager attitudes to assist, in-depth guidance and unparalleled wisdom. I am in... Read more...

Gloria D. – Daughter, Class of 2021

“I attended KD for the last 3 years, and I was blessed with the opportunity to take the SAT ® test one last time last month. I got a 1430 on the test. I wanted to take the time to say I have finished college applications, and I would love to thank all the teachers and aides at KD for giving me the score that I got on the test. Without the extra practice, I wouldn't have been able to get through to the score I got. These past 3 years went by so fast, and it is so fun to look back at where I started and how much I have come out with flying colors. Thank you so much!”

“I attended KD for the last 3 years, and I was blessed with the opportunity to take the SAT ® test one last time last month. I got a 1430 on the test. I wanted to take the time to say I... Read more...

Kareena A. – Class of 2021

“I just wanted to say thank you to KD for all the help and support you’ve given over the past couple years! I was able to get the scores I wanted for the PSAT, SAT ® , and ACT ® tests. The resources were very helpful, and the individualized assistance I received from teachers were what really supported my learning. Special thanks to Ms. Barwick and Mr. Hoffman!”

“I just wanted to say thank you to KD for all the help and support you’ve given over the past couple years! I was able to get the scores I wanted for the PSAT, SAT ® , and ACT ® tests. The resources were... Read more...

Advika R. – Class of 2022

“I shifted toward taking practice tests and going to workshops because I felt those were the best ways to apply the concepts (I was) learning in class. I started applying the tips and tricks that the teachers were showing me in class. In conjunction, those two things helped me raise my score a lot because I was not a math kid before KD or high school. The repetition and being able to practice in a non-stressful environment and simulating that testing experience is something that was very beneficial for me... “The college counseling team was super patient and honest about the work I was submitting. I know for a lot of kids, it’s hard to articulate who you are through 250-300 words. It was definitely... Read more...

“I shifted toward taking practice tests and going to workshops because I felt those were the best ways to apply the concepts (I was) learning in class. I started applying the tips and tricks that the teachers were showing me in... Read more...

Blaine W. – Class of 2021

“Both of my sons have been guided by KD College Prep counselor Steve Peifer on their journey to finding the right college for them, and we could not have had a better experience and outcome. My oldest son is now a rising junior at the University of Miami, and my youngest son is an incoming freshman at Vanderbilt University. Steve’s help in navigating the complicated college landscape and finding the BEST FIT for my two sons is what has made this resource invaluable. “What made the biggest difference for my two sons was the depth and breadth of knowledge Steve has of the many universities and colleges in the U.S. First, by getting to know my kids on a one-on-one basis, he was able to... Read more...

“Both of my sons have been guided by KD College Prep counselor Steve Peifer on their journey to finding the right college for them, and we could not have had a better experience and outcome. My oldest son is now a... Read more...

Julio M. – Parent

“My daughter loved the program—the program materials and the teachers both online and in person. She participated in a year of online and a year of in person. It was incredible enrichment and helped her keep her skills sharp over the summer. She liked being challenged academically, and she loved taking classes with high school students who were focused on their college goals. These students were also excellent role models! The lessons were especially important during the pandemic when it wasn’t a typical middle school experience.”

“My daughter loved the program—the program materials and the teachers both online and in person. She participated in a year of online and a year of in person. It was incredible enrichment and helped her keep her skills sharp over the... Read more...

Beth L. – Advanced Start™ Parent

“I wanted to say thank you to all of the teachers and directors at KD for helping me get a great score on the SAT ® test. I started with a 1250 on the first KD test I took, and I got a 1530 on the December 5th SAT test. KD played a huge role in this, and I just wanted to say thanks to everyone there for helping me achieve this.”

“I wanted to say thank you to all of the teachers and directors at KD for helping me get a great score on the SAT ® test. I started with a 1250 on the first KD test I took, and I got... Read more...

Vyom S. – Class of 2022

"Our twin 16-year-old boys used KD College Prep to study/practice for the PSAT test, and we believe the classes and coaching were invaluable. Very professional and concise. Worth every penny!"

Jerry – Sons, Class of 2022

“I'm writing to thank the KD team for all the help and guidance over the last couple of years! All the resources provided were very useful to me and helped me achieve the scores I was aiming for on the PSAT, SAT ® , and ACT ® tests (1520, 1580, and 34). I really appreciate everyone's willingness to be flexible and accommodate my requests!”

“I'm writing to thank the KD team for all the help and guidance over the last couple of years! All the resources provided were very useful to me and helped me achieve the scores I was aiming for on the PSAT,... Read more...

Mithra A. – Class of 2022

"The resources that KD offers have greatly prepared me for the college admissions process. Without KD, I would not have been this prepared and confident... I am a rising senior, and I ended up receiving a 1570 on my SAT ® test (third time) and a 35 on my ACT® test (first time). I remember the first ever practice test I took for the SAT test was a 1230 (about 1.5 yrs ago) and the first ever practice test I took for the ACT test was a 31 or 32 (about 6 months ago)."

"The resources that KD offers have greatly prepared me for the college admissions process. Without KD, I would not have been this prepared and confident... I am a rising senior, and I ended up receiving a 1570 on my SAT ® test... Read more...

Elise P. – Class of 2022

“I want to thank KD College Prep for helping both of my kids over the last years reach successful outcomes on their SAT ® and ACT ® scores, which helped them get into great colleges. I found the college prep class for parents very informative and helpful during the process as well.  My son (Jacob) graduated in 2018 and got a 32 on the ACT test. got accepted into Texas A&M but chose Baylor for Health Sciences.  My daughter (Morgan) graduated in 2020 and got a 1450 on the SAT test and a 32 on the ACT test. got into an Ivy League school (Cornell) for Engineering.  Both my kids say that they apply the test taking skills they learned at KD Prep to... Read more...

“I want to thank KD College Prep for helping both of my kids over the last years reach successful outcomes on their SAT ® and ACT ® scores, which helped them get into great colleges. I found the college prep class for parents... Read more...

Jon D. – Parent

“Coming into this whole process, I had absolutely no idea what anything was, and your help was invaluable—your encouraging words, strategic advice, and wholesome stories and jokes really got me through a stressful time! I'm still on the waitlist at Harvard and other schools, but I've really started to immerse into the Emory culture, especially their debate team. Not having to pay for college and still attend a private institution is really a dream come true, and it wouldn't be possible if it were not for you.”

“Coming into this whole process, I had absolutely no idea what anything was, and your help was invaluable—your encouraging words, strategic advice, and wholesome stories and jokes really got me through a stressful time! I'm still on the waitlist at Harvard... Read more...

Shreyas R. – Class of 2020

“The most beneficial guidance I received during my College Counseling experience was being taught that it's completely ok to not know what I want to do with the rest of my life at 17/18 years old. Steve told me that a good school will help me find my path. Also, Steve's knowledge about what colleges were wanting to see in potential admissions candidates was a huge help... “There was not one specific beneficial moment or turning point in my time working with Steve, there were many. He encouraged me during the entire application process and brought to my attention many colleges I wouldn't have considered or heard about without his help.”

“The most beneficial guidance I received during my College Counseling experience was being taught that it's completely ok to not know what I want to do with the rest of my life at 17/18 years old. Steve told me that a... Read more...

Jake W. – Class of 2020

"I'm very happy my daughter chose KD as her learning partner to achieve her goals. All the experiences with KD and the Directors there are fabulous. My daughter has improved significantly."

Zarni, Daughter – Class of 2021

"I took KD classes the summer before my junior year, and I was finished with my SAT ® test by December...The test prep classes also helped me earn the award of National Merit ® Finalist."

Claire I. – Class of 2020

"It's been super helpful, and I've noticed my scores go up both on my SAT ® /ACT ® scores as well as test scores in school... Overall, I believe this to be the best college prep that money can buy."

Gopi C. – Class of 2021

"KD helped me come up with a game plan for the colleges I wanted to attend, as well as any backups, and how to manage my time during this stressful period. They helped to ease the stress and made sure that I would be successful in whichever college I picked, and I am eternally grateful for all their help and hard work!"

"KD helped me come up with a game plan for the colleges I wanted to attend, as well as any backups, and how to manage my time during this stressful period. They helped to ease the stress and made... Read more...

Omar S. – Class of 2020

"My initial goals when I first started working with the KD Counseling crew was to compile a list of colleges that I would be somewhat interested in attending and fit my career goals. I think that this step I was by far the most concerned about. I didn’t know how exactly I should go about choosing which places to apply to and if I were to be accepted, if they would fit me. The team did a wonderful job considering my likes and dislikes and helped me compile a list of colleges that suited my tastes and would further my academic career. "After this integral first step, my focus turned towards time management and writing quality essays that would stand out to colleges. I got... Read more...

"My initial goals when I first started working with the KD Counseling crew was to compile a list of colleges that I would be somewhat interested in attending and fit my career goals. I think that this step I was by... Read more...

Nina H. – Class of 2020

"I was thankful for all the help I received from KD in preparing for my SAT ® and ACT ® exams. The workshops they offered, as well as the practice exams, gave me the tools I needed to do my very best."

Morgan D. – Class of 2020

"KDCP is a must for students wanting to stay a step ahead of the game for getting into college. My son has gained huge insight from the ACT ® /SAT ® practice workshops, practice tests, and essay class."

Tiffany – Son, Class of 2021

"KD helped to increase the efficiencies of how I took the national exams. I was also able to implement these efficiencies in my daily school studies within the IB program at PESH. I would (and have) recommend KD to those students wanting an edge on their national test scores!"

"KD helped to increase the efficiencies of how I took the national exams. I was also able to implement these efficiencies in my daily school studies within the IB program at PESH. I would (and have) recommend KD to those students... Read more...

Daniel J. – Class of 2020

"Not only have I been able to significantly improve my test scores, I have learned a tremendous amount of information about the college application process due to complimentary events that KD offers."

Sam H. – Class of 2020

"I came to KD the summer before my senior year with only my determination and big goals! KD provided me with the resources necessary to improve my test score to increase my chances at my dream school, Notre Dame, with the help from amazing teachers and staff. I am so grateful for KD!"

"I came to KD the summer before my senior year with only my determination and big goals! KD provided me with the resources necessary to improve my test score to increase my chances at my dream school, Notre Dame, with the... Read more...

Matt K. – Class of 2020

"I started classes at KD the summer before 9th grade. I...made a perfect score on the PSAT (earning the National Merit ® scholarship) and, after taking the SAT ® test only once (a relief!), scored a 1590/1600."

Thomas D. – Class of 2019

"In just one year, I was able to raise my score by 300 points and get into my dream school."

Piper F. – Class of 2020

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Kathy – Son attends Mizzou

“I came to KD College Prep after already using another tutoring service which we were not seeing results with. Due to time constraints, the traditional classes were not going to be feasible for my daughter. They took the time to figure out a personal plan that would work for her and were always available for our questions and helping her reach her goals. Every employee from the managers to the students working at their locations are top notch.”

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, should i visit colleges before applying.

Hey everyone, I'm a high school junior and I'm starting to think about college applications. I was wondering if it's important to visit colleges before applying? Does it help with admissions or just with making decisions? Thanks for any advice!

Hi there! It's great that you're thinking ahead about college applications. Visiting colleges before applying can definitely be helpful, but it's not a requirement. It can give you a feel for the campus, the student body, and the overall atmosphere which can help you determine if a particular college is a good fit for you. Some colleges also track demonstrated interest, and visiting can be one way to show your interest in their institution. However, not all colleges consider this factor in their admissions process. If you can't visit in person, don't worry! Many colleges offer virtual tours and online information sessions where you can learn more about the campus and ask questions. Ultimately, the decision to visit colleges comes down to your personal preference and what will help you make an informed decision about where to apply. It's worth considering, but don't feel like you're at a disadvantage if you can't visit every college on your list. Good luck with your college search!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

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Should I Tour Colleges and Universities Before Applying?

By Brianna Burrows

Deciding which schools to apply to can be a long and strenuous process for some students, while others might find it easier. For some students the decision for which school they should apply to is a difficult process, and for many international students an even more difficult decision. Some international students may wonder if they should tour colleges and universities before applying?

There is no right or wrong answer to this question, but it is encouraged that students visit their prospective schools before applying and at the very least before enrolling. By taking a tour of the colleges and universities that interest you you’ll have a greater understanding of what life will be like as a student there. You’ll understand the geography of the campus, the town or city the schools resides in, the resources available, the community, and whether you feel the school will be an appropriate choice for you.

One thing that is important to keep in mind is that touring college and universities can be very expensive . When you add up the cost of flights, accommodations, meals, and other miscellaneous costs, touring colleges and universities can set you back a couple thousand dollars. In order to reduce the cost of touring colleges and universities, it is strongly recommended to visit no more than 3-5 colleges and universities, depending on the location.

Another alternative is to take a virtual tour of the colleges or universities. YouVisit offers hundreds of virtual tours of colleges and universities across the USA. Even if you can’t physically take a tour, a virtual tour is an excellent way to see the school without being there.

While each student’s circumstances are different, it is recommended to visit or view a virtual tour, of the schools you are interested in attending, either before applying or once you have been accepted. It is up to each student to decide what is best for their education and personal situation.   

Brianna Burrows

Brianna Burrows is a freelance marketing specialist and alumna of Northeastern University. She specializes in event management, social media management, and content branding. Follow her on Twitter  here

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Articles & Advice > Campus Visits > Articles

10 Things You Should Definitely Do on Every College Visit

If you're putting in the effort to visit colleges before applying, make sure you're taking full advantage of it. Here are 10 things to do on campus tours.

by CampusCompare.com College Search Website

Last Updated: May 3, 2024

Originally Posted: Dec 31, 2011

Venturing on one college visit after another may seem like a drag now, but campus visits can make all the difference in helping you make the right college choice. So strap on your walking shoes, hit the road, and check these 10 critical campus hotspots off your college visit to-do list.

1. Talk to students

This may be the most important part of your campus visits and an opportunity that too many college-bound students do not take advantage of. If you visit colleges while school is in session, you should make a point to approach a few students—in the cafeteria, at the library, or just while walking around campus—and ask them any questions you have or even just about their general experience at the school. You’ll get much more honest answers than you will from tour guides, and most students will be more than happy to stop and chat for a few minutes.

Related:  How to Overcome Anxiety and Talk to College Students on Campus Tours

2. Browse the bookstore

If you are the first child in your family to attend college, you should prepare to dissociate yourself from your parents upon entering the bookstore. As soon as mom or dad spies a price tag on a textbook, they may react with surprise, anger, disbelief, tears, or any combination of the above. After they’ve calmed down, reassure them that you already set up accounts on  Amazon ,  Textbooks.com , and  Half.com , and convince them that your prudence and frugality should earn you one of those nice college hoodies from the bookstore. Just don’t show them the receipt.

3. Visit the office of your academic department chair

If you have any inkling whatsoever about what your major in college might be, you should try to make an appointment to meet briefly with the department chair during your campus visit. The chairperson will be thrilled to meet a potential major, and you’ll get some valuable insight into the courses you’d take, professors you’d study under, and academic opportunities that your school and potential major will offer. Don’t hesitate to schedule several of these visits, especially if you’re unsure about your potential major.

4. Size up the gym and on-campus athletic facilities

Most colleges offer some sort of athletic facilities. In fact, sometimes those facilities are just as good as, if not better than, professional gyms! So if you’re interested in getting into or staying in shape, make sure your college has a state-of-the-art gym. And if you’re into  college athletics , the school’s on-campus fields and other facilities are also something you should visit. Also remember that games on campus can be a pretty big draw, and even if you’re not a huge sports fan, they double as a popular social event.

Related: The Best Ways to Make Your College Campus Visits More Fun

5. Locate the health center

If you’re lucky, you won’t spend much time in the campus health center. However, should you get sick or injured and are in need of anything from emergency care to DayQuil, it’s always reassuring to know you have access to medical care and technology.

6. Stop by the admission office

While you’re on your campus visit, why not put a face to your application? Make an appointment to meet with an admission counselor so that they can get to know you as more than a list of test scores and activities. This is your chance to show your personality, and you can even use the time to ask any questions you might still have about the school. Just be sure that you’re friendly, polite, and articulate, because a first impression is a lasting one.

7. Survey the classrooms

If you think you can ace college exams without ever going to class, think again. Not only do you need to go to class once in a while to make sure you’re up to speed with what’s going on with tests and homework, but a lot of smaller classes also base some of their grades on participation. Granted, you can miss class once in a while, but don’t forget that attendance is often mandatory. Make sure you like the classroom settings of the colleges you’re visiting. Are the classes big or small? Are classrooms flat or stadium-style? Is the technology adequate, or better yet, very advanced? Will you be a nameless face or someone your teacher will be able to interact with?

Related: Smart Questions to Ask Before, During, and After College Visits

8. Eat at the dining hall

You generally won’t have the time or space to prepare yourself a nice lunch or dinner , so the dining hall will be the simplest and most efficient way to eat on campus. The average college student eats at the cafeteria twice a day; it’s possible you'll go less often, but it’s likely you'll go even more than that, whether for a snack or late-night meal. Check for cleanliness, the variety of quality foods, and accessibility (and, you know, taste!). If the campus is big, it may have multiple dining halls, so make sure you see them all.

9. Drop by the dorms

When you’re not in the classroom or grabbing a bite in the cafeteria, there is a pretty good chance you’ll be in your dorm room. While you’re visiting colleges, ask to see the freshman dorms and upperclassman dorms as well. Freshman dorms will almost always be the least impressive digs on campus, but those double and triple shared rooms are part of the freshman experience! That being said, you want to make sure you’ll be moving on up as you progress in class years. Upperclassmen often have access to suite or apartment-style housing.

10. Hang out on the quad

You can’t make friends holed up in your dorm room. That’s why colleges and universities offer quads and other comparable hangout spots. This could be as simple as a nice lawn to read on or an open area to play football or Frisbee. And rest assured, even urban schools have common campus hangouts! If such an area doesn’t exist—or if it does and there’s nobody there—this might be a college you want to rethink because making friends freshman year could be more difficult. You’ll be surprised how important little things like playing catch with your buddies in between classes will factor into your enjoyment of school.

Related:  Ultimate Campus Visit Checklist: Where to Go and Questions to Ask

Campus visits are a great way to get to know a school better before making the big decision to apply—or the even bigger decision to attend. It gives you a feel for what life will really be like living on campus and if that's the kind of atmosphere for you to thrive in.

You can check out the original article at  CampusCompare.com  or find more advice for school tours in our Campus Visits section. 

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•   Improve Your College Research With Great Campus Tour Experiences
•   Our Best Advice for College Tours and Campus Visits
•   The Best Ways to Make Your College Campus Visits More Fun
•   Top 10 Tips for Your College Visit Road Trip
•   3 College Visit Locations That Can Be Turned Into Vacations

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Pros and Cons of Visiting a College Before Applying

December 18, 2020

A lush, green quad.

Top-notch honors program.

Six dining halls.

Intramural sports teams.

These are just some of the perks you might find on a college campus. But how do you know exactly what each college offers? Sure, each one has a website and Facebook page. Is that enough to determine whether it will be a good fit for you? Should you make the effort to visit so you can see for yourself before you apply?

The short answer? Maybe.

There is a lot to take into consideration before you plan college visits, especially when there is a worldwide pandemic happening. The decision to visit colleges ultimately comes down to a few areas of consideration including campus experience, demonstrated interest, application preparation, cost, time, and safety.

Campus Experience

The first and most obvious reason to visit a college campus is to get a better feel of the student experience. There are countless factors differentiating one campus from another whether it be outstanding engineering programs or locally sourced ice cream. Every student has a different idea of what they want to experience while getting their undergraduate education, and the easiest way to see if a college aligns with your ideal experience is to see it in person. Many colleges facilitate tours led by current students so that you can ask questions to someone who is knowledgeable about the campus but can still easily relate to your concerns. Furthermore, some schools allow for prospective students to stay overnight on campus to help them experience what “a day in the life” would truly be like on campus. Visiting a college campus also allows you to explore the surrounding area. While college students spend most of their time on campus, many find it valuable to have accessibility to cities, parks, trails, etc. in the local region. Many college advisors are also available to discuss the school’s programs during your visit. This can be extremely valuable if you are having difficulty deciding on a major or are unclear what programs would be best suited for your career goals.

Demonstrated Interest

There is a widespread belief that making the effort to visit shows “demonstrated interest” and can put you ahead in the college’s application pool. However, most college admissions advisors do not disclose whether this is a factor in deciding on a student’s application. While there is no concrete evidence in whether attending a college visit will put you ahead, it definitely won’t pull you behind. The more networking you do with faculty and admissions advisors, the better chance you have of an admissions committee recognizing your name when reviewing your application.

Application Preparation

Many schools require that you submit an essay describing why you are interested in attending. This question is much easier to answer if you have real experiences to use as the foundation of your essay. For example, you could describe some of the connections you made on campus during your visit and how those individuals influenced your decision to apply. Perhaps you discovered a new program of study while touring campus that you are highly interested in pursuing. From the culture to the honors college, the character of a school is much easier to describe when you have experienced it in person.

It is no secret that travel can be expensive. Many students dream of attending colleges far from home because they want to cultivate independence and explore new areas. However, travel to those places typically comes with a hefty price tag when you factor in plane tickets, hotel stays, and eating out. Although most schools require you to pay travel expenses out of pocket, it is worth checking if the school has lodging or meal discounts while visiting. For example, some schools facilitate dorm room stays for potential students. In the end, you must consider whether you have the financial resources to visit distant colleges before planning your trip.

Life can be busy, especially for high school juniors and seniors. From football games to prom, there are plenty of events taking up the weekends of students. It is sometimes difficult to carve out enough time to visit colleges, even more so if you are planning to attend out-of-state schools. Typically, students are accompanied by a parent or guardian during a college visit. This means that vacation time is often used, which can be challenging for many. It should be noted, however, that many schools offer weekend tours. This allows more flexibility in planning visits, especially if you are planning to apply only to local colleges.

This factor is one that would not have seen on this blog post in 2019. However, the reality is that safety and health are an especially important consideration with the impact COVID-19 has had on our country and world during the past year. Traveling to college campuses could potentially increase your risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19. Although most colleges have countless safety measures in place to prevent the spread, it is important to follow recommendations made by the CDC and local officials. The CDC has continually advised that individuals limit or postpone travel in order to mitigate risk, and it is important to consider these guidelines before visiting colleges. Additionally, many colleges are doing virtual tours in place of in-person visits, so it is essential to verify each college’s touring procedure prior to making travel plans.

This year is more complicated than most regarding college visits, and you must carefully consider if the value of the college visit outweighs the risk. While there is a lot to gain from visiting a college, if it feels burdensome or stressful, then it is probably worth skipping the visit and focusing on other ways to find out more information.

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Which Colleges Should I Tour? A Comprehensive Guide

Padya Paramita

February 3, 2020

Which Colleges Should I Tour? A Comprehensive Guide 

If you’re in or approaching your junior year of high school, you’re probably aware that this is an important time for taking the next steps towards your college applications. Alongside preparing for the SAT and solidifying leadership positions, 11th grade is also ideal for thinking about the question, “ which colleges should I tour ?” This component might seem random, but many colleges actually track your demonstrated interest based on whether you’ve visited on not. Plus, you might encounter your dream school on a tour - students have often cited the campus visit as the main reason they fell in love with a college.

Even though it might seem overwhelming with so many schools you can possibly visit, when planning your trips, you need to be organized. To help you answer “which colleges should I tour ,” I’ve outlined a list of institutions that track your visits, how to make the most out of your tours, when you should be going, some questions to ask on your tour, alongside resources to take advantage of if tours aren’t feasible for you. 

Colleges That Track Your Demonstrated Interest

Before you start making a checklist to go out of your way and plan to visit every college on your list, it’s good to know who is tracking your visits when asking “ which colleges should I tour ?” Not all universities take your visit into account, particularly schools like the Ivy League, MIT, and Stanford, that already attract a lot of tourists. So, if you’re short on time, it’s best to plan for schools that do monitor your commitment based on the steps you’ve taken. 

Check out the following tables featuring national universities and liberal arts colleges you should have on your radar because of demonstrated interest when planning “ which colleges should I tour .” I’ve also included their location so that you can visit multiple nearby colleges when you’re in a certain area.

National Universi ties

Liberal arts colleges.

Of course, it can definitely help to visit any college if you’re considering putting it on your list, but if you’ve got your heart particularly set on any of the above schools, you should be making all the more effort to let the admissions office know that you’re interested by organizing a visit if possible.

When to Visit and How to Make Your Campus Tours Count

Ideally, you should aim to embark on your campus tours during spring break of junior year. So, to make sure you’re ready when the time comes, you need to have a preliminary list of colleges so that you can decide which ones you will check off when you’re on the east coast, for example. To stay organized, start planning during winter break in order to get the transportation, housing (if you’re staying overnight), and the questions you’ll ask all ready to go.

Admissions officers at the colleges that track demonstrated interest have a variety of methods they use to evaluate students on their visits. So, when you think about “ which colleges should I tour ?” you must also explore the options available for prospective students. Most schools arrange information sessions for future applicants. Institutions sometimes offer overnight visits, the opportunity to attend a class, talk to a professor, eat lunch with a current student, or sessions for applicants interested in particular majors. 

Prospective Student Events: Examples

For example, you might be considering applying to Northwestern. On your visit to the Evanston campus, you might have opportunities to attend an information session, do a campus tour, and attend a school-specific seminar for music or business. You might also be registered for Purple Preview , which allows you to shadow a student. Or, you could arrange to stay overnight. All of these efforts are recognized by the university as demonstration of interest in the college and add a small boost to your application.

Go through schools’ websites and check out the opportunities available during the time of your visit. If it’s an organized event or open house such as Discover Wellesley or Discover Middlebury Weekend, you’ll have plenty of chances to interact with current students and meet with different clubs and organizations. If your visit is more spontaneous, you can still talk to admissions office representatives and get a sense of what life is like at the school, as well as find out when the next information session is. 

Questions to Ask on Your Campus Tour

As you make a list of “ which colleges should I tour? ” you might also be wondering what questions to ask in order to make the most of your visit. It helps to get a sense of the academic, social, and extracurricular offerings at the school. Avoid asking for information that is easily available on the college website. You also must remember that most of the time, your tour guides are current students - so asking them for their perspective can help you get a sense of what your life might be like in a couple of years!

Use the questions below to think about what matters to you in your college experience and decide which ones you should ask:

• Why did you choose major X?
• Who is your favorite professor and why?
• What is it like to transition from high school to this college?
• How accessible are professors typically?
• Generally, do you feel that professors are engaged in their students’ education? Can you tell me how one of your professors has supported you or someone you know?
• How hard do you have to work to get good grades?
• What was the most impactful or meaningful course (academically or personally) that you have taken so far?

Extracurriculars

• What is the most impactful or meaningful extracurricular activity that you have been a part of?
• How involved are students in extracurriculars?
• Which activities are most popular?
• What’s the Greek life like, and how do students feel about it?
• How active is the student body in terms of sports?
• How popular are campus sporting events amongst students?
• Are any art or music practice spaces available to non-majors?

Social Life

• What is your typical Tuesday like?
• What is your typical Friday night like? 
• Why did you choose this college?
• How would you summarize the campus culture?
• What are the best reasons to go to this college?
• What do you do in your free time? Over the weekends?
• What do you love about this college?
• What is it like to live in this city/town?
• What has the school done to help you grow?
• How does the university foster/encourage multiculturalism in daily life?
• In what ways does the university support students with technology needs (tech support, access, discounted or free software, etc)?
• In what ways does the university support students in need of educational support (disability services, writing centers, study groups, freshman interest groups/first year support, etc)?
• What does the college do to ensure campus safety in general? What about in the event of an emergency?
• How large is the campus security force? Does it patrol the campus regularly?
• What services does the health center offer?

Residential Life

• What’s the residential life vibe?
• How are residence halls secured?
• How many dorms are there, and how do they differ?
• Are the dorms spread through the campus or clustered in one area?
• What are the off-campus living options, and what do they typically cost?

Resources If You Can’t Attend A Tour

If your dream school isn’t close to you, don’t worry. It’s not the end of the world. Lots of students who live far away or have conflicting schedules still get into these colleges both based on the rest of their application and a demonstration of interest in other ways. 

You can inquire whether there is an information session in your local area - often top universities will have a table at college fairs. So, if there’s one near you, definitely check it out, talk to the representatives, and ask them questions about the application process. You can also arrange for an alumni interview if there are alums in your area. Many schools offer virtual college tours using websites such as YouVisit . If you’re unable to travel somewhere, using this website is an effective way of learning more about the different offerings, seeing what the campus is like, and taking a look at the various buildings. Definitely try an online visit! 

As you plan your campus visits, you must think strategically. If you’re limited in deciding “ which colleges I should tour,” prioritize institutions that will take visits into account when it comes to making your application decision. At the same time, there’s nothing wrong with visiting other schools on your list that don’t assess demonstrated interest, because physically being on a campus and talking to students can make a significant difference in your decision to attend. Happy visiting!

Tags : campus tours , college visits , Which Colleges Should I Tour? , touring colleges , colleges that track demonstrated interest , questions to ask on college visits

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Can Colleges See Where Else You Apply?

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You’ve narrowed down your college list  and are ready to tackle the application process, but you can’t help but wonder: can colleges see what other schools you’ve applied to? If colleges can see where else you apply, will that affect your odds of admission? 

In this post, we’ll go over those questions, plus what you should do if you’re asked where else you’ve applied. 

In general, colleges can’t see where else you apply. Colleges are also strongly discouraged from asking applicants which colleges they’ve applied to. The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) states in their Code of Ethics and Professional Practices that they advise against asking “candidates…to divulge or rank order their college preferences on applications or other documents.” 

That said, there are exceptions, so you should be careful not to accidentally reveal your preferences, as it could impact your chances of admission. This is because colleges are very protective of their yield, which is the percentage of students who enroll at a school after being accepted. The higher the yield, the more “desirable” a college appears to be. So, some schools will reject or waitlist highly-qualified students if they think they’re unlikely to attend (this is known as yield protection , or Tufts Syndrome).

When Can Colleges See Where You Applied?

It’s on your transcript, or in your rec letter.

This is uncommon, but it’s possible for the writer of your letter of recommendation to mention the school you’re applying to early decision, and to reuse the same letter for other colleges on your list. Luckily, most teachers know to make their rec letter work for all schools you’re applying to, but you can check with them to be 100% sure.

Your transcript could also list the schools you’re applying to, but this is also not super likely. Again, you can check with your counselor to be positive.

Early Decision

Another way colleges learn where else you’ve applied is through early decision. Under this admissions timeline, you sign an agreement where you promise to enroll in the college if you’re accepted, and to withdraw all other applications.

Some top colleges were sharing lists of students accepted early decision , and they claimed to do so to verify that students weren’t breaking any ED rules, and that the policy wouldn’t impact one’s chances of admission. Still, this practice came under investigation from the Department of Justice (DOJ) in 2018 for potentially breaking federal antitrust laws. Several admissions officials defended the policy, stating that students entered the early decision agreement voluntarily, and that if they didn’t want their information shared, they shouldn’t apply ED.

The bottom line? No need to worry about this if you aren’t breaking the rules of your ED agreement. Be sure to withdraw your Regular Decision applications if you’re accepted, and absolutely do not wait for a decision “just for fun,” as you’ll be violating the agreement, and taking spots from other students.

They Ask in an Interview or Application

The NACAC’s Code of Ethics and Professional Practices permits admissions officers to “ask the question [‘Where else are you applying?’] verbally only if the answer will not be used to influence an admission, scholarship, or financial aid decision.” Why would colleges care where else you’re applying, if not to protect their yield? They may college the info for marketing purposes, to see who their competitor colleges are.

So, while uncommon, you may be asked where else you’re applying in an interview, and sometimes even on on some college applications. In 2015, the Common Application was criticized for allowing colleges to ask applicants what other places they were applying to. Still, some colleges will ask anyways. For example, SUNY ESF directly asked the question on their 2019 application.

In cases such as these, CollegeVine recommends leaving the question blank, if possible. If you have to answer the question because it’s required, or you’re in an interview, we suggest giving vague answer that avoids directly naming schools. For example, you might say I’m applying to my state flagship university and a few other schools across the country or I’m applying to other schools with strong environmental science programs.

FAFSA Form 

This has been a quiet topic over the past few years, but in the past, it’s been asserted (by reputable publications such as Forbes and Inside Higher Ed ) that colleges not only look at the list of schools on your FAFSA form but might base college decisions based on the order you listed those schools in. This is because listing schools a certain way may indicate your order of preference. A simple away to avoid any issues caused by your FAFSA form is to list your schools in alphabetical order, which gives no indication of your preferences. 

A Few Other Items to Be Aware Of 

Forbes similarly warns college applicants to carefully choose how they rank schools on their four free score reports from the ACT. It’s hard to determine the validity of this, so play it safe and list your schools in alphabetical order. We also don’t recommend using the free score reports anyways , as you won’t know your score before it’s sent.

It’s also been suggested by Quartz and the Chronicle of Education that colleges are increasingly turning to high-tech methods to get inside the minds of applicants by studying their social media habits and browsing activity. Because this practice is fairly new and in the shadows, it’s difficult to judge just how much data mined from internet activity is used in the admissions decisions, but you should know that it could be getting tracked. 

At the very least, you should open any emails you get from the schools you’re applying to, even if they’re promotional. Schools can and do track how you engage with their emails, and use it to gauge your interest.

The Takeaway

An overwhelming percentage of college admissions decisions are made using standard criteria such as GPA, standardized test scores, and extracurricular activities, with no consideration given to what other schools you’ve applied to. Even so, there are ways for colleges to see where else you apply, if they’re interested in that info—and your best course of action is to make it as difficult as possible for them.

For more information, check out our post “Where Else Are You Applying?” Why Colleges Ask This + How to Respond .

One way you can get a handle on your admissions prospects is with our free chancing calculator. Using factors such as grades, test scores, extracurricular activities, and background, CollegeVine can predict your odds of acceptance at over 500 colleges and universities. We’ll also let you know how you stack up against other applicants, and how you can improve your chances. Sign up for your free CollegeVine account today and put this valuable tool to work for you.

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The Common Application, also known as the Common App, makes it easy to apply to multiple colleges using one application. Is your dream school a Common App college? Here’s everything you need to know.

What is the Common Application?

The Common Application is a single online college application form used by over 900 colleges and universities. Instead of filling out the same general information—like your address, GPA, and extracurriculars— a dozen times, you only have to do it once. The Common App dashboard also helps you track necessary application documents (like your letters of recommendation) and important deadlines.

What colleges use the Common App?

Common App colleges are a varied list of institutions: private, public, big, small, engineering colleges and liberal arts schools. Check out the full list of the 918  Common App schools .

When does the Common App open?

Get ready for  application season ! The Common App goes live every year on August 1.

When is the Common App due?

Your application deadline depends on whether you are applying early decision (typically November 1) or regular decision (typically January 1). Deadlines also vary by school, so be sure to check dates for every college you are applying to. You can find application deadlines (plus tons of school information) in our online college profiles .

Read More: College Search

What are the Common Application essays?

You’ll submit one essay through the Common Application for all your schools. Some colleges may ask you to also answer a few supplemental questions. Check out previous  Common App essay prompts now so you can start strategizing about which essay to write.

Do you apply for financial aid through the Common App?

The financial aid process begins with filling out the FAFSA and is separate from submitting your Common App (and with different deadlines!). Learn everything you need to know about financial aid .

What does the Common App cost?

The platform itself is free to use, but every college charges their own application processing fee (usually $30 to $75 for U.S. applicants and more for international applicants). You can apply for a fee waiver if you need one.

How do you apply to Common App colleges?

Follow these steps to apply to college through the Common Application.

1. Create a Common App account.

All you need is an e-mail address to get started. You'll be prompted to create a login and password and to answer a few quick questions about who you are (parent, teacher, or counselor) and when you're applying to college.

2. Confirm which of the schools on your list accept the Common Application.

Not all schools accept the Common App. Colleges may require that you fill out their own application form or ask you to use another application system like ApplyTexas for Texas colleges. Add schools that interest you to the My Colleges list in your Common App account.

3. Review the admission information for every school you are considering.

Keep in mind that Common App schools can have different writing, testing, essay, and letter of recommendation requirements. Make sure you do your research! You’ll use the same Common College application form but admission requirements may differ from school to school. For example, one college may require the SAT,   while another school might be test optional. Many schools will ask you write essays in addition to the Common App essay or have additional college-specific questions for you to answer. You’ll be able to submit all of these extras through the Common App dashboard.

Read More: Popular College Essay Prompts (and How to Tackle Them)

4. Gather the information you KNOW you’ll need

For the most part every application will ask for a copy of your high school transcript, a list of your extracurriculars , and information about your parent or guardian's educational background and work history.

5. Start working on your application

Your Application Dashboard will show all your colleges and the status of each component of your application. Pick an essay topic, start filling in general information, or ask a teacher for a letter of recommendation. There's no college application task too big or small!  

6. Track the status of your application(s)

The icons on your Dashboard are there to guide your way. A green check means your work has been submitted to that particular college, a yellow circle means your application is still in progress, and a red dash means that a particular section is not required for admission to that college. 

Submit all your application materials by 11:59pm (in your local time zone) on the deadline date posted in your Common App Dashboard.

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Some Colleges Are Requiring Test Scores Again: What it Means for Applicants

A small group of schools, mostly Ivy Leagues or those considered very selective, are requiring testing again.

Should Students Submit Test Scores?

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Some experts say that requiring test scores brings more transparency to the admissions process.

In response to testing disruptions at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, many colleges implemented test-optional admission policies. Some said the change – which lets applicants decide whether to submit their SAT or ACT scores as part of their application – was only temporary.

For instance, in March 2022, Massachusetts Institute of Technology announced plans to reinstate its mandatory SAT and ACT testing policy for future admissions cycles.

More recently, in the early months of 2024, additional schools enacted similar policies, such as Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, Brown University in Rhode Island and the University of Texas at Austin . Yale University in Connecticut also eliminated its test-optional policy, but with a caveat: Applicants can choose to submit their Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate exam scores instead of ACT or SAT scores.

"Our research shows standardized tests help us better assess the academic preparedness of all applicants, and also help us identify socioeconomically disadvantaged students who lack access to advanced coursework or other enrichment opportunities that would otherwise demonstrate their readiness for MIT," Stu Schmill, MIT's dean of admissions and student financial services, wrote in a blog on the school's website. "We believe a requirement is more equitable and transparent than a test-optional policy."

Standardized test scores historically have been one of several significant factors in admissions decisions. Now, a relatively small group of colleges and universities – mostly Ivy Leagues or those considered very selective – are requiring test scores again. However, more than 80% of U.S. four-year institutions will not require SAT and ACT scores or will not consider them if submitted for the fall 2025 admissions cycle, according to data from the National Center for Fair and Open Testing, a nonprofit advocacy group commonly known as FairTest.

Why Some Colleges are Reinstating Standardized Test Requirements

Based on internal research at these institutions, the reasoning for requiring tests again beginning with the fall 2025 admissions cycle was similar to MIT's: Test scores can reliably predict – more than just high school grades alone – a student's academic success in college.

"I don't think that's surprising given just the wide range of grading scales and grading methods we see at high schools," says Robin Miller, a college admissions counselor at IvyWise. "I think from the colleges' perspective, standardized test scores somewhat level the playing field in terms of better understanding the students' academic context."

Another reason for the reestablished requirements, she says, is that over the past few years, colleges have noticed that students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds were opting to not send in their test scores when it may have helped to submit them.

"Those students' scores could provide more context about (their) high school environment," says Miller, who formerly worked in admissions at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. and at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee. This means a student's score "might stand out when considering what the average standardized test score is for a student from that particular high school, which potentially could have led to that student (being) admitted."

Requiring test scores also brings more transparency to the admissions process, as there has been confusion about what test-optional actually means, some admissions experts say.

"Test-optional policies, which were instituted during a global pandemic, have become yet another element of the college application process that have inadvertently created confusion and miscalculation," Logan Powell, associate provost for enrollment and dean of undergraduate admission at Brown, wrote in an email. "One of our goals in requiring standardized testing is to offer clarity to families – we consider testing but we consider it as one of many factors in the whole-person admission review."

Effect of Test-Optional Policies

To a certain extent, for applicants who decided to not submit SAT or ACT results, test-optional policies relieve some pressure and allow them to spend more time focusing on activities, academics and writing college application essays , Miller says.

"For students who submitted test scores, they were able to stand out in an applicant pool, potentially, if they had a really strong test score that aligned with other aspects of their application that were appealing to the university," she says. "So that was a way for them to differentiate themselves."

Research on the potential benefits of test-optional policies varies, but in many cases they have led to an increase of applications .

"Study after study shows when testing was optional, applications went up at a lot of institutions and especially from underrepresented groups," says Akil Bello, senior director of advocacy and advancement at FairTest. "There's no universal answer to what will happen, but the general trends are if you remove a barrier, more people will apply."

He adds that the restoration of admissions testing requirements will affect students unequally.

"For some students, it will have a chilling effect and reduce the number of applications," Bello says. "Some students will look at average test scores and say, 'I'm not applying to that place.' Other students will say, 'This is a thing I'm good at that I have the money to pay for preparation for. Great, this will help me over somebody else who can't prepare for the test.'"

There have been some unintended consequences of test-optional policies in terms of more applications, says Christopher Hamilton, founder and CEO of Hamilton Education, a San Diego-based educational consultancy.

Test-optional "should be beneficial to students," he says. "I think in general, though, it's meant that universities have something they want ... more applicants, in some cases. But they also have to invent new systems to evaluate them. And many of those new systems have involved part-time, outside, hourly readers who read with a different sensibility and ... are compensated on a per-piece basis, in some cases. There's some pretty strong evidence that kids may be getting a less robust, less three-dimensional look from colleges just because of the fact that there's 15, 20, 30,000 additional applicants."

How to Navigate Changes to Admission Requirements

It wouldn't be surprising to see a few more schools go back to requiring test scores, but a large number are permanently test-optional, Miller says.

"This is, perhaps, the most complex college admissions environment we have ever experienced," Powell says. He advises students to "continue to focus on doing the best they can in a rigorous high school curriculum , engage in extracurricular activities that allow them to showcase additional strengths and have a carefully considered list of colleges to which they may apply."

Typically, colleges announce their admissions requirements for the upcoming application cycle somewhere between nine months and 18 months in advance, Bello says.

"Students have to recognize that they can't rely on lore or history or what their mama said," he adds. "They have to check admissions requirements as they enter their junior year and throughout the year to ensure that they are meeting all requirements for admissions for places they're interested in applying to. What makes that a little bit challenging is, what teenager knows three years out, four years out, eight months out what schools they are going to apply to?"

Whether a student should submit scores to a test-optional college depends on a few factors. For instance, it may be a "strategic mistake" if an ambitious student who goes to a competitive high school takes the test-optional policy too literally, Hamilton says.

Miller recommends applicants research whether their score falls within the "middle 50" – the   range between the 25th and 75th percentile – among accepted students at colleges of interest.

"Generally speaking, if a student score falls within that mid-50% range, it's typically going to be a good idea to submit that test score. Obviously there's always nuance with that," she says.

On the other hand, "if the student tested really well compared to what the average test scores are from their high school, that might be another reason for that student to choose to submit their test score if they are applying to a test-optional school, even if that score maybe is just below the mid-50% range," Miller says. "They would want to talk to their school-based counselor to help them make that decision."

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What is student loan consolidation?

Will my interest rate go up if i consolidate my student loans, i don’t know if i’m eligible for student loan forgiveness. should i still consolidate my loans, how to consolidate your student loans, what happens if you miss the deadline, new student loan forgiveness deadline: you now have more time to consolidate your loans.

Check to see if you're eligible for full loan cancellation by consolidating your federal student loans.

Courtney Johnston

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Courtney Johnston is a senior editor leading the CNET Money team. Passionate about financial literacy and inclusion, she has a decade of experience as a freelance journalist covering policy, financial news, real estate and investing. A New Jersey native, she graduated with an M.A. in English Literature and Professional Writing from the University of Indianapolis, where she also worked as a graduate writing instructor.

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Tiffany Wendeln Connors is a senior editor for CNET Money with a focus on credit cards. Previously, she covered personal finance topics as a writer and editor at The Penny Hoarder. She is passionate about helping people make the best money decisions for themselves and their families. She graduated from Bowling Green State University with a bachelor's degree in journalism and has been a writer and editor for publications including the New York Post, Women's Running magazine and Soap Opera Digest. When she isn't working, you can find her enjoying life in St. Petersburg, Florida, with her husband, daughter and a very needy dog.

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Key takeaways

• If you have federal student loans, consolidating them before June 30 may help you maximize your debt relief.
• The Department of Education recently extended this deadline to give borrowers more time to take advantage of consolidation benefits.
• All federal loans are eligible for consolidation, including Perkins Loans, Parent Plus loans and Federal Family Education Loan Program loans. Private loans are not eligible.

If you’re eligible for student loan forgiveness under the White House’s latest plan or an existing program, consolidating your federal loans could help you receive forgiveness sooner. And now, borrowers have until June 30 to maximize their debt relief by consolidating their federal student loans.

Consolidating FFELP, Perkins and other non-Direct Loans into Direct Loans can provide you with more debt relief benefits. And it can also streamline multiple loans with different payoff timelines into one monthly payment with one due date.

Even if you already have Direct Loans, if you have more than one, you might benefit from consolidating, said Mark Kantrowitz, a financial aid expert and CNET Expert Review Board member.

When you consolidate your loans, you’re able to select an income-driven repayment plan option. If you’ve been making payments for 20-25 years, depending on the IDR you select, your entire balance could be forgiven.

Here’s how to decide if loan consolidation is right for you, how it could maximize your debt relief and how to consolidate your loans online.

Student loan debt consolidation is similar to refinancing -- it lets you combine your existing federal student loans into a new loan with a fixed interest rate. The federal loan consolidation application lets you consolidate any federal loans into a new Direct Consolidation Loan, which may then make you eligible for income-driven repayment and forgiveness programs like SAVE that you may have been previously excluded from.

Having one student loan to keep track of, rather than many, can also make it easier to manage payments. Depending on the payment plan you choose, a consolidation loan could lower your monthly payments but also extend your repayment period. But if you’re eligible for forgiveness after consolidating, this might not be much of a concern.

Private student loan companies also offer debt consolidation for student loans. Even if these programs offer lower interest rates or other perks, converting your federal student loan into a private loan rarely makes sense. Private student loans are not eligible for federal income-driven repayment programs or federal debt relief.

If you currently have low interest rates on your federal student loans, you won’t have to worry about your new consolidated rate spiking -- in most cases.

Your new Direct Consolidation Loan’s interest rate will be based on a weighted average of the loans you consolidate and it will be rounded up to the next 1/8th of 1%, according to Federal Student Aid , the Department of Education’s official student loan website.

There’s one exception, though. If you have a FFELP loan, you might lose some benefits when consolidating. “The main issue is borrowers who have a big interest rate reduction from the FFELP lender,” said Kantrowitz. “These discounts are provided by the lender and will disappear if you consolidate the loans.” 

You don’t have to consolidate all of your loans, so you might exclude your FFELP loans if you want to keep your current discount. You’ll need to weigh whether you qualify for forgiveness and how consolidating might affect your monthly student loan payment to decide if consolidating is right for you.

If you have unpaid interest on a student loan, it will be capitalized when you consolidate the loan and could increase your principal balance. Factor that in when deciding how much your new monthly payment would be and how much you may qualify for in forgiveness. 

For many borrowers, consolidating your federal student loans will help lower your monthly payment and could maximize your potential debt relief. If you currently hold federal student loans that are not Direct Loans, it can be particularly beneficial. Consolidating can also help you lock in a fixed interest rate if any of your federal student loans have a variable rate.

The latest student loan forgiveness program takes into account the date of your first student loan payment. Consolidating your loans helps ensure you get credit for your new Direct Loan starting with your earlier loan payment date.

So, let’s say you graduated from college and made your first federal student loan payment in 2004. Later, you went back to school for a second degree and started paying those loans in 2010. Under an income-driven repayment plan with a 20-year path to forgiveness, you might be eligible to have your loans from 2004 forgiven this year. But by consolidating your more recent loans with your older ones into one new Direct Loan, your entire balance could be wiped out this year. 

Even if you graduated more recently, consolidating your federal loans and enrolling in an IDR can help you get access to forgiveness sooner. And if you only have one student loan, if it’s not a Direct Loan, you may also benefit from consolidating. 

But if you don’t qualify for debt relief, it may not make sense to go through this step. “If you are not currently pursuing any kind of forgiveness (e.g., not even IDR forgiveness) and expect to never pursue forgiveness, then you don’t need to do it, ” said Kantrowitz.

You can consolidate your federal student loans online at StudentAid.gov. You’ll need to submit your application before midnight local time on June 30 to meet the deadline. You can consolidate after this date, but would miss out on some benefits.

To fill out the application, you’ll need your Federal Student Aid ID, some personal information, financial information and loan information to fill out the application. The FSA website says it takes approximately 30 minutes to complete the application for consolidating your loans.

You can fill out the application now at studentaid.gov/loan-consolidation . 

Once you apply, it can take up to 60 days to process your consolidation, said Kantrowitz. In the meantime, you might see your student loan payment count drop to zero. Don’t panic if this happens. It just means your adjustment count is being worked on.

If you consolidate your loans after the June 30 deadline, you can still get credit for past payments made on direct loans. But you might not get as much credit. Instead, your payment count would be based on a weighted average or may reset to zero. But, you could still gain access to a debt relief program.

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Another 277,000 borrowers received student loan forgiveness last week. here’s how you can, too, 25 million americans could have student loan debt wiped out under biden’s latest plan, do you qualify for the new student loan forgiveness plan, smart money advice on the topics that matter to you.

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