How important is it to visit colleges before applying?

Hey guys, I'm a junior and I'm wondering how important it is to visit colleges before applying. Is it worth the time and effort, or can I get a good sense of a school without visiting?

Hey there! I think it's pretty important to visit colleges before applying, if possible. It gives you a chance to get a feel for the campus atmosphere, meet current students, and learn more about the programs you're interested in. It's sometimes hard to get a full picture of a school just from their website or brochures. When my child was going through the college application process, we visited a few schools and it really helped them narrow down their choices. They ended up choosing a college they initially weren't too excited about, but after visiting, they fell in love with the campus and the community. That being said, if visiting a college isn't feasible due to distance, time, or financial constraints, you can still try to get a good sense of the school through virtual tours, online forums, and talking to current students or alumni. It's always better to have some firsthand experience, but there are other ways to get a feel for a school if a visit isn't possible. Good luck!