An Opportunity to Envision Your Future
For student athletes and their families, visiting a college campus isn’t just about seeing the facilities—it’s about gaining a clear sense of fit across academics, athletics, and community. These visits are one of the most valuable steps in the college search process. When approached with purpose and preparation, they can help you make informed decisions that align with both your goals on the field and in the classroom.
Before you step foot on campus, make sure to register online as early as possible. Many colleges limit the number of daily visitors, and popular dates fill up quickly. As you plan your trip, leave plenty of time for parking, navigating campus, and attending multiple appointments.
Student athletes, in particular, benefit from connecting with more than just the coaching staff. Take time to reach out to your regional admissions representative, professors or department chairs in your intended major, and even current students or teammates. These conversations can provide invaluable insight into what your academic and athletic experience might look like.
Once on campus, wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes. You’ll likely walk 1.5 to 2 miles, so keep that in mind. If you or a family member needs accommodations, contact the admissions office as soon as you register.
From a traditional admissions visit standpoint, plan to spend at least 2.5 hours for a full visit, including an information session and a tour. You’ll want enough time to take in both structured and informal aspects of campus life.
Encourage your student athlete to come prepared with thoughtful questions. This is your opportunity to learn about campus culture, academic support, athletic expectations, and the balance between sports and school. If you have other appointments scheduled later in the day, let your tour guide know so they can help you stay on track.
While on your tour, stay present and engaged. Silence your phone, avoid texting or side conversations, and be respectful of the guide’s time and efforts. If you have personal or specific questions that may not apply to the whole group, save them for after the tour. Most guides are happy to stick around for individual follow-up.
And remember, the formal tour is just the start. Carve out time to explore on your own. Visit academic buildings in your area of interest, walk through the athletic facilities, observe how students interact, and check out the surrounding community.
Key Takeaways for Student Athletes & Families:
Register early to reserve your spot—popular dates fill fast.
Connect beyond athletics: reach out to admissions reps, academic departments, and current students in your intended major.
Plan for at least 2.5 hours on campus for a full tour and info session.
Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes—expect to cover a lot of ground.
Come with questions that explore academic, athletic, and personal fit.
Be courteous and stay engaged during the tour—put your phone away and listen actively.
Save individual questions for the end of the tour if they aren’t relevant to the group.
Explore independently after your scheduled visit—check out dorms, classrooms, and local spots.
A college visit is more than just a walk around campus. It’s an opportunity to envision your future. Campus visits are a cornerstone of the college decision process. For student athletes, they offer a chance to evaluate how academic priorities and athletic goals can coexist. The best visits are the ones where you make meaningful connections and walk away with clarity.
At POLARIS Student Athlete Consulting, we help families maximize each part of the admissions journey—from planning college tours to evaluating campus fit and managing communication with coaches and admissions staff. If you're ready to make the most of your visits, we’re here to help you prepare with purpose.