Summer Campus Visits

Should I do a Campus Visit during the Summer?

I’ve worked on campus visits at three different institutions over the course of 10+ years. Personally, I do not feel summer is the best time to visit a college campus. Most students are away, faculty are away, most classes are suspended, etc. That being said, if you’re somewhere for a family vacation and in the proximity of an out-of-state institution that you’re interested in, by all means go ahead and visit. But do so knowing that you won’t necessarily get a full picture of what that institution is like. If you are still serious about that institution in March of your senior year and you’ve been admitted at that point, it may require that you make a second visit just to get a really clear picture of what it’s like there when things are in full swing. 

If you’re looking to make a special trip to visit a campus, then I would wait and visit between September 1- December 1 or February 1- May 1. This is when semesters are in full swing, finals haven’t happened yet, and you should get a good idea of what things are like (caveat, be conscientious of fall and spring breaks- also not great times to visit). I know this likely means missing school for you and work for your parents and that can feel like a pinch-point. However, I do think it’s worth it to get a clear picture of a school that you’ve already researched and you are interested in applying to. 

Ultimately, do what works best for your family. A summer campus visit is better than no campus visit, but try for fall or spring if you can.

That’s all folks! Talk soon.

Veronica