Elizabeth Cavallari, Director of College Counseling
Members of the Class of 2026 visit the University of Mary Washington as part of the Junior College Trip
Leftovers are for quitters. A student wore this phrase proudly on his shirt as he stuffed salami in his mouth, pushed his chair back, and headed back to the buffet in the dining hall. At that moment, I thought, He did his college search right. He was unapologetically himself, moving confidently through his college space.
At this same school, black backpacks lined the hallway leading to the dining hall. Students felt so comfortable and safe that they left their belongings behind, fully expecting them to be there when they returned.
Little moments like these—quirky, honest, unpolished—are what you notice when you step foot on campus. They’re the details you’ll never find in a glossy brochure.
Why Campus Visits Matter
Brochures and websites are designed to show off the best: the gleaming and symmetrical quads, the smiling students, the impressive list of selective rankings where they are at or near the top. A campus visit, on the other hand, lets you see what life at a school actually feels like—for you.
The college search process is both head and heart. Research and data matter, but a visit allows your instincts and values to guide you.
What to Look For
When you’re on campus, lean into your curiosity and pay attention to how you feel:
- Does the school align with your values?
- Do you see yourself making friends here?
- Can you imagine being challenged, supported, and comfortable enough to be yourself?
Sometimes, a school that looks great on paper doesn’t feel right in person. That’s okay. With more than 2,000 four-year colleges and universities in the U.S., there are many places where you can thrive. Even though a school may have been right for a friend, parent, mentor, or neighbor, it’s okay if it’s not the place where you can see yourself.
Tips for Making the Most of a Visit
- Go on a tour. But if you’re grouped with a guide who doesn’t resonate, it’s okay to break the rules and move toward the guide who feels like they could be your friend.
- Eat in the dining hall. Pay attention to what mealtime feels like—who’s sitting together, how the community interacts. Is the food any good?
- Talk with students who aren’t tour guides. What do they tell you? Does it confirm the official tour narrative or tell you a different story?
- Notice the vibe. Do students seem stressed, relaxed, collaborative, competitive? Do you feel like you can fit in?
Trust Yourself
When I talk with HRA students after visiting colleges, I relish when one student is enamored with a school while another has firmly crossed that same school off their list. It shows that students are tapping into their values and paying attention to fit, not perceived prestige.
Ultimately, the right school is where you can grow, be supported, and—most importantly—be your authentic self.
