Do your homework. Before your visits, familiarize yourself with what each school has to offer. Research academics, campus life, and the application process. Reflect on what makes each institution unique, and how these special characteristics align with your current priorities and future goals. This kind of prep work helps you get intentional about how you spend your time on campus.

We mean it when we say there are no dumb questions. There are, however, questions that can be easily answered with a quick search on a college’s website. Instead of sticking to the surface, use the time with your tour guide to ask about their unique student experience. Examples of great questions include: What do you love about your favorite professor? How did you meet your best friend on campus? What’s been the most impactful learning experience you’ve had as a student?

Answers to questions like this are sure to offer a perspective that you won’t find on Google!

Think of your admissions counselor as your College Search Sensei, of sorts. An admissions counselor is the person who’ll guide you through the ins and outs of the exploration, application, and decision-making phases of this entire process. Because Randolph-Macon thinks this connection is so important, our daily campus visits include a 1:1 meeting with your admissions counselor. Don’t think of this as an interview, or an assessment of your qualifications – but instead, consider it the chance for us to get to know one another a little better. We’ll ask about your interests and future goals, and figure out how Randolph-Macon might fit into those big-picture plans.

This one varies from school to school, but campus visits at Randolph-Macon are about 90 minutes long. Have some extra time to explore? Ask your admissions counselor for restaurant recommendations, take yourself on a walking tour of downtown, visit shops and local attractions. This is your chance to get a feel for life in a new place – take advantage! And if Ashland is on your radar, see what we love most about living in the Center of the Universe.

Every student is different, but we find most get serious about campus visits in the spring of junior year or in the summer before senior year. Visiting early will help you narrow your list of college options before applications open in the fall. It’ll also leave space to visit again after you’ve applied and (fingers-crossed!) been accepted. If possible, we recommend at least two visits to your top-pick schools before making the big decision. You’re guaranteed to learn something new each time you’re on campus.

100% yes! Your parents or guardians will play an important role in this entire process! We encourage you to bring them to your campus visits, and keep them involved in all aspects of your college search.

Hoping to see something super specific while you’re on campus? Don’t hold back – ask for a look! Around here, we recognize that all prospective students have different priorities, passions, and goals. That’s why we’ll work hard to personalize your time on campus, and offer an experience that’s unique to you as an individual. Reach out to us before your visit and tell us what you want to explore – we’re excited to connect you to the people and things that matter most in your college search.

And most importantly, be present. While the college search can sometimes feel overwhelming, it’s also full of excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead. So savor this time and keep an open mind – the place that feels the most like home might be what you least expect.