Step 09
Visit
A campus visit brings the private school admissions process to life and helps you judge a school’s culture firsthand. Whether your tour is individual, group-based, or paired with an interview, arrive ready with questions about classes, activities, and daily life. Speaking with students and potential mentors shows genuine interest while giving you useful details for later essays and conversations with admissions officers.
Types of School Visits
Some schools do group tours, some solo. Some don't even do visits! Also, a visit is sometimes combined with an interview, or not.
Ask A Lot of Questions
- I know, I know, asking questions seems awkward at first. But as you keep on doing these tours, it will become natural.
Why should you ask them?
- Asking questions to your tour guide shows genuine interest in the school.
- It presents you as proactive and prepared.
- It is also for your benefit, getting to know the school from a student's perspective.
Tips on Asking Questions
- Ask questions that align with your interests, and things that you are looking to explore. This will show the guide your proficiency, but also your desire to learn more.
- Even slight pauses while walking through dorms or around campus are a perfect time to inquire about the school.
- Ask enough, but not so much that it disrupts the tour for others around you (if it is a group visit).
Communications
- The interview or tour is the perfect time to meet your desired mentors, whether it's a swim coach, math teacher, or counselor!
- Make sure you contact them beforehand (by getting the email through the website) and let them know you are coming.