Making the Most of Your College Visits

By Mary Jo Cronk

As a mother of six college graduates and the Visit Office Coordinator at Houghton University, I've experienced college visits from both sides of the desk. Let me share some hard-earned wisdom to help you navigate this exciting journey with your student.

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ย  Let Your Student Take the Lead

Your student should be in the driver’s seat. While you can guide and encourage, the college search is ultimately their journey. Donโ€™t be afraid to push them out of their comfort zone a little. I learned this firsthand with my own children. The most successful visits were the ones where they took ownership of the experience.

Students with Houghton gear at admission's table at Passport Day at Houghton Unviersity.

ย  Start with Research

Before stepping foot on campus:

Research what each school offers during visits. Look for financial aid sessions, faculty one-on-ones, and class visit options.

Check if there are campus and spiritual life opportunities to experience.

Review all pre-visit information carefully. (Do you know where to park?)

ย  Choose the Right Type of Visit

Most schools offer a few options. Here is my suggestion for how to get started:

  • Sit down and experience a virtual tour with your student. What do you think of the campus environment and facilities?
  • Register for an open house during sophomore or junior year for a broad overview. This will give you the basics on what a school offers and helps you get a feel for the campus culture. Pay attention to your tour guide. Student guides often provide insider perspectives you won’t get elsewhere.
  • Schedule personalized visits to top-choice schools during senior year. This individual visit will let your student dig deeper into specific interests.

For larger institutions, call ahead to optimize your campus time. These visits are typically less customizable, so advanced planning is crucial.

Two Houghton students in purple shirts leading a campus tour on Passport Day.
View of sidewalk through campus on a summer day.

ย  Ask Smart Questions

One of the best pieces of advice I received was from a colleague on what questions to ask on a college visit, was to โ€œAsk the same question of many people.โ€ You want to hear consistent answers from various offices, and you’ll gain valuable insights from these different perspectives. When I ask about student life, I often get fascinating variations in responses from admissions staff compared to current students.

Remember the Goal

As both a parent and university professional, I’ve seen countless families navigate this journey. The college search process is a special time for you and your student. By keeping these tips in mind and focusing on your student’s interests, you’ll be well-equipped to make informed decisions about their educational future.

Download Your Visit Checklist

Complete the form to download a checklist to help your family make the most of your campus visits.

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About the Author

Houghton staff member Mary Jo Cronk.

Mary Jo Cronk serves as the Visit Office Coordinator at Houghton University, where she helps hundreds of families navigate their college search each year. As a mother of six college graduates, she brings both professional expertise and personal experience to guide parents through this important journey.

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