Are college visits necessary?

Hey there, fellow juniors! I've been thinking about visiting some colleges, but I'm not sure if it's necessary or if it will make a difference in my applications. Can anyone share their experiences with college visits and whether or not they think it's worth the time and effort? Thanks in advance!

Hey there! I totally get where you're coming from. College visits can be a bit of a hassle, but they can also be incredibly helpful in determining if a school is the right fit for you. My child went through the same process last year, and we visited quite a few schools together. Some of the experiences were really eye-opening and helped them make a more informed decision about where they wanted to spend the next four years. It's not just about how the college looks on paper—being on campus can give you a better sense of the school's atmosphere, the student body, and whether you'd feel comfortable there. In terms of applications, I don't think the visits themselves make a huge difference, but the insights you gain can help you write more genuine and specific essays, which can definitely be a plus. My advice would be to visit at least a few schools if you can, even if they're not your top choices, just to get a feel for what you might like or dislike about different campuses. Good luck, and I hope this helps!