Parent Prep for College Visits
Different Tracks for Parents on College Visits
In many families, parents handle the nuts and bolts of planning college visits and multi‑campus trips. College visits ask a lot from both parents and teens, so a bit of prep goes a long way.
Yes, we all hope our teens will take the initiative to do the initial background research on different colleges and universities. Ideally, they develop their own college list and a unique list of questions as they prepare for college visits. However, with preparation for standardized tests, a demanding class schedule, and busy extracurricular activities, it is difficult for them to take on the added responsibility of planning college visit logistics.
As a result, the planning usually falls to an adult or parent. In addition to travel preparation and tour or interview scheduling, it is important for parents to prepare for each campus visit. Like your teen, you may want to review the websites of the schools you will be visiting, but naturally with a different eye.
If you cannot find the answers you need on the college’s website or in printed materials, make sure to jot down your questions so you are ready to ask them on campus. These issues might include:
- Campus safety and campus police
- How the college deals with emergency situations
- Location of emergency rooms, nearby doctors, and urgent care centers
- On‑campus healthcare and counseling services
- Financial constraints or cutbacks that might affect student services
- Any other concerns specific to your family
Similar to the College Visit Student Journal, we suggest that you take several copies of Custom College Visits’ College Visit Parent Checklist. While shorter than the student version, the Parent Checklist has a list of questions for you to ask, with plenty of room to note responses and add additional questions.
Click here if you would like a copy of the College Visit Parent Checklist.