As summer is just around the corner, incoming seniors are inevitably faced with the millions of tasks associated with college preparation. Yet many of them struggle with not knowing how to get started or which colleges they should research and apply to. One of the most crucial ways they can both maximize their summer experiences and learn more about colleges they’re interested in is by scheduling college visits. Taking the time to explore college campuses and learn about the programs and resources they provide is what makes all the difference in prospective students’ impressions of a school.

With that being said, here are some tips to get you started as you begin scheduling college visits:

• Be proactive. If you want a guided tour at a specific college, make sure to schedule them online as early as possible. Available tours are limited, and spots fill up more quickly than you may expect.
• Ask lots of questions. Tour guides are here to help you understand more about what makes the school great and talk about their experience in choosing where to continue their education. Questions allow them to explain the aspects you might find interesting about the school and help others who may be wondering the same things.
• Don’t worry if you aren’t able to go on a guided tour. Self-guided tours can be just as beneficial and customizable! College websites will often provide an online map for you and a form to fill out so they know you’re visiting their campus. You can then follow the route they provide for you or explore the spots you’re specifically interested in seeing during your visit.
• Make a fun trip out of visiting colleges! If you know what geographic locations you’re interested in, you can travel there for a few days and schedule tours at colleges around the area. Especially if you’re looking into California colleges, you can drive down the coast toward LA and San Diego and stop at a ton of campuses along the way.
• Do your research beforehand, but go into college visits with an open mind. It’s always great to pre-determine what you want to check out during your visit, but seeing campuses and programs in person can significantly change the way you envision yourself going to these colleges. Make sure to leave space for those in-person first impressions.

Here’s a list of the important things to bring while you’re visiting a college:

• Good walking shoes and sunscreen
• Clothes that are appropriate for the weather (make sure to check the weather beforehand!)
• Your phone and/or a camera
• A small bag to store your items while walking around campus
• A virtual or physical map of the campus with the meeting place for tours and specific locations you want to visit mapped out
• Questions about things like housing (guaranteed or not), dorm culture, food, social life, and academic balance
• A positive attitude and open mind about the college you’re touring

Check out the photos above to see some gorgeous shots of college campuses taken during college visits!