Determining where your student will find their best fit at school is a big commitment!  As you and your student enter this stage of the admissions process, this is your chance to get the best vantage point of what each school can offer.

After visiting hundreds of schools and helping so many families through the process, we’ve rounded up some tips on what to look out for when visiting schools to make the most of your time. 

Before You Visit: Register & Research

Before attending any school’s open house, visit day, or information session, make sure you check out their website. Here it’s likely you’ll find a link to register for an Open House or an info session. First impressions count, so always register ahead so they know you’ll be attending!

Research what the school offers and pay attention to any agenda outlining what the admissions event will entail. Browse the school’s website to research and learn what you’d like to explore or learn more about while you’re on campus! It’s likely that this is where you’ll get many of your initial questions answered. 

For a full list of what to look for in a school’s website, check out this edition of Hall Pass. 

If you know of any students and families who have attended this school, ask them what their experience was like before visiting campus. This can help put in perspective what your student can expect. 

We always encourage our students and families to keep their options open as they visit schools. If your student hasn’t nailed down their top list of schools yet, that’s okay! In fact, it’s pretty common! Attending school visit days can help you narrow down what might work for you and your student. We always like to say that visiting schools will help you and your student rule in or rule out what you are looking for, so it’s always time well spent!

When You’re Visiting:

Since you’ve done research on the basics of the school before your visit, you’ll probably have an idea if this school could be a contender for your student's perfect fit. And when you’re visiting, look out for a few things that can help you understand if this is the best option for your student:

Pay attention to the community:

• Do the school’s values shine through in their everyday community? 

• Do students seem excited and engaged?

• What is the relationship between students and teachers like?

• Does it seem as though students are actively involved in the school community?

Review the academic setting:

• Is there a heavy emphasis on studying?

• Are there opportunities for students to be involved in academics outside of the classroom?

• Do students seem to work on projects together or independently?

• Are there ample places for students to do their work?

• What does the tutoring or academic support area look like? 

Remember that to make the most of your time visiting a school, ask as many questions as you can! Encourage your student to be curious and open to the opportunities this school provides. The best folks to ask questions of are the students themselves! Don’t be shy!! Ask away as most students are forthcoming, honest, and happy to share willingly. 

Viewpoints to consider: Wide Angle Lens vs. Single Focus:

When you’re on a school campus, consider learning about the school through multiple lenses. For example, look at things through a broad, wide angle lens and also through a single focus, zoom lens! This means you should ask questions such as: 

• What does the integration of student support look like across the curriculum? 

• What is the residential living structure like? By grades or vertically across grades?

• What role does the advisor play each day or week in a student’s life on campus?

• What are the required courses in the various academic disciplines? 

• What is the “runway” available to your student now versus down the road? 

Remember that visiting schools can be a tiring process yet also really fun! We don’t recommend cramming multiple visits into one day or even one week. Strike a balance and at most, schedule two visits per day—that’s plenty! Getting to know a school takes time, but with these tips you’ll be well on your way to helping your child find a place where they will flourish. 

If you need a helping hand and are ready to make the most of the school admission process, we’re here to bring clarity and calm!