Are campus visits necessary for the college application process?

Hey guys, I'm wondering if I should visit the colleges I'm interested in before applying. Is it necessary, or can I get a good idea of the campus atmosphere from online resources? Thanks!

Hey there! Campus visits are not strictly necessary for the college application process, but they can be helpful in giving you a feel for the campus atmosphere and whether you'd be comfortable living and studying there. It can also be a chance to meet with faculty, explore academic programs, and ask questions about the campus community.

However, I understand that visiting every college on your list might not be feasible due to various factors such as time, distance, and expenses. In that case, you can still gather a lot of information about the campus through online resources, virtual tours, and social media. College websites usually have a wealth of information about the programs, resources, and student life. Additionally, you can check out CollegeVine and similar platforms for insights from current students and alumni.

My child visited a few campuses before making their decision, and they found it helpful to get a sense of the environment and connect with current students. That said, they also utilized online resources for colleges they couldn't visit, and it worked out well.

Ultimately, campus visits can be beneficial, but they're not mandatory. Make sure to do thorough research online and reach out to current students or alumni to get a well-rounded understanding of each college. Good luck!