Video: College Tour Tips + How to Choose the Right College

Every college search starts the same way: with a visit. And what you pay attention to during that visit can make all the difference. Psychology major Sophia Solomon ’26 offers a few simple, practical tips to help you get more out of the experience and feel more confident about your decision.

Her biggest piece of advice? Try to visit when classes are actually in session. It sounds obvious, but it changes everything. You’ll see what the campus is really like day to day—students heading to class, conversations happening between buildings, professors actively teaching. If you can, sit in on a class. It’s one of the easiest ways to picture yourself there and get a sense of how you’d actually learn.

Beyond the tour itself, take time to talk to people in the community. Ask students what they like, what they’d change, what surprised them. Notice how the campus feels. Not just how it looks in photos, but whether you can imagine yourself there—walking to class, finding your spots, building a routine.

At a certain point, the decision becomes less about rankings or checklists and more about fit. The right school is the one where you can see yourself growing academically, socially, and personally.

Every great college story begins with a single visit. Psychology major Sophia Solomon ’26 shares why it’s so important to visit a college campus in person as you’re narrowing down your choices and shares a few tips for making the most of your time—from making sure to visit when classes are in session to experiencing the classroom environment.