For many students, a visit from a college representative at their high school or in their local community is the most accessible way to learn about a college. These in-person meetings allow students to make a personal connection and put a human touch to the statistics they may have read online or within a mailed brochure. 

For some students, these meetings represent the first connection to a college. They can help students who are in the beginning phases of their college search determine if a college might be a good fit. And because college visits can be expensive or otherwise logistically challenging, these meetings provide an integral way for participating students to express interest, ask questions, and establish a relationship with college personnel. 

Use the tips below to facilitate a meaningful visit that both engages students and fosters excitement about the college. 

Use high school counselors as a resource.

‍When planning a visit, connect with the high school counselors to learn more about the students who will be in attendance. Ask about students’ grade levels along with intended majors or areas of interest. Consider inquiring about any alumni who have attended the college, which can help to provide students with a personal connection to the college. Be sure to ask about the best day and time to schedule a visit–possibly during advisory periods, lunch, or study halls–to ensure all students who want to join will be available. 

Connect with the high school’s CCR platform.

‍If schools utilize a College and Career Readiness (CCR) platform, such as SchooLinks, work with counselors to register the visit, send invitations, and connect with participants ahead of the visit. Consider targeting outreach to students with skills, interests, and aptitudes that align to the college, rather than a generic, school-wide email, to offer an invitation that feels more exclusive and personalized. Encourage students who plan to attend to submit questions ahead of time to ensure that relevant information is shared with the group during the visit. 

Focus on telling stories.

‍Rather than focusing on the same information that can be found in a brochure or online webpage, identity stories and points of connection that showcase what makes the college unique. Learning about a school’s idiosyncrasies, traditions, and community can help students to get a true sense of how they might fit into the college. These stories can foster real, human connections, which work to pique student interest far more than data points. 

Allow for interactive dialogue.

‍While high schoolers are not always forthcoming with questions, designing a presentation that allows for two-way communication can help students to feel more connected to the conversation and to the college. Students might introduce themselves early in the presentation, share pieces of information they have heard about the college, or highlight any connections they have to the college. To encourage students to ask questions, college representatives might share a list of frequently asked questions that students can use verbatim or as a springboard for their own questions. Whenever possible, invite students to engage with one another to share thoughts, questions, or connections during the visit. Their small group conversations can offer both insights and opportunities for more direct interaction with students.    

Create an inviting environment. 

While it is impossible to physically bring the campus to the high school, consider ways to incorporate aspects of campus life into the visit. Utilize posters, pictures, and videos to offer students a window into what they might see on campus. To add warmth to the conversation, consider the best seating arrangement for students. For smaller groups, sitting in a circle can feel warm and welcoming. Bringing in snacks or college swag can further elevate the excitement students feel during a visit. 

Showcase the student experience.

‍While students are, of course, interested in learning about college academics, information about the student experience is often more important to their final decision. If possible, invite a student representative–maybe even an alumni from the high school–to join the visit. If a student representative is not able to join, consider pre-recording a student answering questions about the student experience or sharing a student-created day-in-the-life video. Be sure to include information about student clubs and activities, particularly those that align with the interests of students in attendance. Include pictures and information about dorm rooms and dining halls. Consider incorporating relevant information about the community that surrounds the college including community-based activities, resources, and transportation.

Moving from Curiosity to Connection 

High school visits can serve as a pivotal experience in a student’s college decision-making process. Finding ways to build on the energy and momentum of these visits can help to keep students thinking about and connected to the college. Consider following up with personalized outreach including invitations to visit campus, take a tour, or even participate in an overnight stay. This intentional approach allows high school visits to move from an isolated event to an ongoing relationship, transitioning from student curiosity to meaningful connection. 

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