As former Admissions Officers, the Admittedly team has seen thousands of “Why Us” essays. We can tell you exactly which ones were written by a student who actually stepped foot on campus (physically or virtually), spoke with current students, and which ones were the result of a frantic Google search hours before the deadline. A strategic college visit is not about being a passive tourist; it’s about acting like a researcher to determine fit and, where it matters, demonstrating interest.
This guide provides a framework for planning strategic college visits, understanding the nuanced role of “demonstrated interest,” and using your experience to craft a compelling application.
Strategic College Visits: Start Local, Then Branch Out
Many families burn out by trying to see too many schools in too little time. An exhausting, cross-country tour is often inefficient and doesn’t provide an accurate feel for undergraduate life. A more strategic approach is to start local.
The “Local First” Rule: Before booking flights, visit a variety of school types within a two-hour drive. This helps your student calibrate their preferences for size and environment without the stress and expense of long-distance travel. Consider visiting:
•A large, public flagship university
•A medium-sized private university
•A small liberal arts college (SLAC)
The Capacity Reality: Be aware that peak seasons like spring break and summer can bring tens of thousands of visitors to major universities. If you visit when college students are on break, the soul of the campus—the students themselves—might be missing, giving you an incomplete picture.
Use Vacations Strategically: When planning family vacations, consider adding a day to visit nearby colleges. It’s a low-stress way to expose your student to different campus environments and get a feel for the local area.
The “Yield Protection” Myth vs. Reality
Does a visit actually help you get in? The answer is a classic admissions officer favorite: it depends.
Check the Data: The first step is to consult the Common Data Set (CDS) for each school. In Section C7, you can see if a college considers “Level of applicant’s interest.” This is your first clue.
| Level of Interest | What It Means |
| Important | Demonstrating interest is a significant factor. Schools like Wake Forest and Georgetown, with their emphasis on interviews, fall into this category. |
| Considered | It can be a tie-breaker. Many small liberal arts colleges and schools with Early Decision options use this to manage their yield. |
| Not Considered | Your visit is not tracked for admissions purposes. All Ivy League+ schools explicitly state they do not track demonstrated interest. |
The “Cherry on Top” Rule: Remember, demonstrating interest will never make up for a weak academic profile. It can be a tie-breaker between two otherwise equal candidates, but it is not a foundational element of your application.
How to Leave a Strategic Breadcrumb Trail
If a college does value demonstrated interest, you need to ensure your engagement is captured in their system. Most universities use a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system like Slate to track interactions.
The Virtual Win: The easiest, most cost-effective way to show interest is to engage virtually. Attend online info sessions, open and click through their emails, and interact with their digital content. These actions are often tracked and logged.
The “Why Us” Essay Connection: This is where your research pays off. Your campus visit notes are gold for your “Why Us” supplemental essays. Mentioning specific professors, unique programs, conversations with current students, or campus traditions proves you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in that specific institution, not just its prestige.
The Bottom Line
Choosing a college is a significant investment. You wouldn’t buy a house without a walkthrough; don’t apply to a college without understanding the factors that shape daily life—the food, the weather, the surrounding community, and the campus culture.
Be strategic in your planning, take detailed notes, and remember: the most effective way to demonstrate interest will always be a competitive application with a compelling, authentic narrative. Your research and visits are what build that narrative. Feeling lost? Book a strategy call with our team to discuss your summer plans.
