Campus Visit Guide

Module 2.5: Campus Visit Guide

The campus visit is the only time you move from being a paper file to a real person. It is your opportunity to gather intelligence and make a lasting impression.

Part 1: Pre-Visit Preparation

Do not show up blind.

• Review the Website: Know the basics (mascot, head of school's name, main programs).

• Prepare Questions: Have 3 specific questions written down for the tour guide and 3 different ones for the interviewer.

• Dress the Part: "Business Casual" is the standard.

  • Students: Slacks/khakis and a collared shirt; or a skirt/dress/nice pants and blouse. No jeans, no sneakers, no hoodies.

  • Parents: Smart casual. You are being judged too!

Part 2: The Tour (The "Intelligence Gathering" Phase)

The tour guide is usually a student. They are not the decision-maker, but they do report back to the admissions office if you are rude or disinterested.

What to Observe:

• Eye Contact: Do students look you in the eye when you pass?

• The Bulletin Boards: Read the flyers in the student center. This is the unpolished truth of what is happening on campus.

• Faculty Interaction: Do you see teachers sitting with students in the dining hall? (A key sign of a supportive boarding culture).

Questions to Ask the Tour Guide (The "Real" Stuff):

• "What do you do on a typical Saturday night?" (Checks social scene).

• "How much homework do you actually have per night?"

• "What is one thing you would change about the school?"

• "Is it hard to get the classes/clubs you want?"

Part 3: The Interview (Brief Overview)

Note: See Module 7 for full Interview Prep.

• The Handshake: Firm handshake, eye contact, smile.

• Parents' Role: Parents usually interview separately. Let the student speak for themselves. Do not correct the student or answer for them.

Part 4: Post-Visit Protocol

The visit isn't over when you drive away.

1. Debrief Immediately: As soon as you get in the car, record a voice memo or write down notes.

   • What did you love?

   • What worried you?

   • What was the name of your tour guide?

2. The Thank You Note:

   • The student should send a handwritten note or email to the interviewer within 24 hours.

   • Reference something specific discussed ("I enjoyed discussing the robotics program...").

   • Pro Tip: Also send a short email to the student tour guide thanking them. This leaves a great impression.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Tour guides who seem exhausted or unhappy.

• A campus that feels empty or silent (unless it's exam week).

• Facilities that look great on the website but are run-down in person.

• Students who are glued to their phones and ignoring each other.

The campus visit is a gut check. Trust your instincts. If a school looks perfect on paper but feels "cold" in person, listen to that feeling.