The Early-Bird College Tour Checklist: What to Look For (and What to Ask)

If you're a high school junior, now is the perfect time to start thinking about college visits. While many students wait until senior year, those who start earlier often gain a valuable head start. Visiting colleges during your junior year not only helps you narrow down your choices, but also gives you extra time to meet important deadlines, make connections and explore programs that align with your goals. This early insight can give you an advantage when it comes to admissions, scholarships and more.

Below, you’ll find a comprehensive college visit planning guide to help you make the most of your early tours, plus a helpful college visit questions checklist to take with you.

Why Early College Visits Matter

Visiting colleges during your junior year gives you more than just a head start — it also helps you make confident, well-informed decisions before senior-year deadlines begin to pile up. Early visits allow you to explore everything from scholarships and housing to academic advising, giving you time to ask thoughtful questions and uncover opportunities that last-minute tours might miss. Schools like Texas Wesleyan offer both on-campus and virtual visit options, making it easy to start your college search.

Getting a Head Start on Scholarship Opportunities

Many students don’t realize that some scholarship deadlines fall before college applications — and that merit-based aid is often awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Early campus visits offer the chance to discuss financial aid, discover scholarships and understand material requirements like essays, portfolios or recommendation letters.

Early visits also give you time to ask specific college visit questions about eligibility, renewal criteria and deadlines, helping you plan ahead. At Texas Wesleyan University, qualifying students can explore a range of scholarship opportunities that can make a high-quality education more affordable. In addition, students who visit campus may be eligible for additional funding through the Scholarship U+ (Smarter U) scholarship, which rewards early engagement in the college search process.

Understanding Housing Options Before They Fill Up

If you plan to live on campus, housing can play a big role in your college experience. Touring during your junior year gives you the chance to visit different residence halls, ask about housing selection processes and see what living arrangements fit your needs. Some campuses use a lottery system, while others prioritize early applicants or specific programs.

At Texas Wesleyan, students can explore a variety of on-campus housing options. Considering these spaces early can help you figure out what exactly you’re looking for.

Connecting With Program Advisors and Faculty Early

Meeting with academic advisors and faculty during your college visit can offer valuable insight into a program’s structure, curriculum and career pathways. These initial discussions enable you to inquire about various aspects, including research prospects, internships and student achievements, helping you determine if a program aligns with your objectives.

Texas Wesleyan supports students through a built-in mentorship program that pairs them with faculty and staff for personalized academic and professional guidance. Explore available mentorship opportunities to see how these programs can shape your college experience.

What to Look for During a College Tour

Wondering how to plan a college visit? A well-planned college tour is about more than just admiring the campus. It's your opportunity to evaluate whether a school truly fits your academic, social and lifestyle preferences. Here are a few key areas to focus on during your visit:

Campus Facilities and Housing Preferences

From on-campus housing options to dining halls and student lounges, the quality and accessibility of campus facilities can have a big impact on daily life. During your visit, take time to explore residence halls, dining services, fitness centers and common areas. Ask how housing assignments work, what amenities are included and whether first-year students are required to live on campus.

At Texas Wesleyan, students have access to a variety of housing styles and a wide range of campus facilities designed to support both academic success and student well-being. Touring these spaces early can help you identify which environment feels most comfortable and aligns with your personal preferences.

Classrooms, Labs and Learning Resources

Your academic experience will largely take place in classrooms, labs and study spaces, so be sure to explore these areas during your visit. Take note of class sizes, available technology, lab equipment and whether facilities are up to date. You might also ask current students or tour guides about things like tutoring services and library hours.

Texas Wesleyan offers hands-on study resources to help students thrive in and out of the classroom. Students can find both online and on-campus support, allowing them to tailor their learning to their unique preferences.

Student Life, Clubs and Organizations

Campus culture plays a huge role in shaping your college experience. During your tour, ask about student clubs, recreational activities, service opportunities and events that bring the community together. Connecting with the campus community, whether through academic societies or artistic pursuits, is vital for a sense of belonging.

Texas Wesleyan offers many ways to get involved, from athletics to student government. Be sure to check out student centers, club bulletin boards or upcoming campus events during your visit. These activities not only enrich your time on campus but can also help you develop friendships, leadership skills and a sense of belonging.

Questions to Ask on a College Tour

A successful college tour isn’t just about seeing the campus — it’s also about asking the right questions. Speaking directly with admissions counselors, financial aid staff and career advisors can provide clarity and uncover details that brochures and websites might miss. Let’s go over some questions to ask on a college tour.

Admissions and Application Requirements

Each college has its own admissions process, and requirements can vary by program or major. Asking detailed questions during your visit ensures you know exactly what’s expected.

Some helpful questions include:

• What materials are required to complete the application?
• Are standardized test scores optional or required?
• What GPA or coursework is recommended for competitive applicants?
• Are there separate applications for specific programs or honors colleges?
• Do you offer application fee waivers?

Asking these questions early helps you stay organized and avoid missing critical steps.

Financial Aid, Scholarships and Deadlines

Understanding how to finance your education is a major part of college visit planning. An in-person visit gives you the chance to speak directly with financial aid experts to clarify your options.

Consider asking:

• What percentage of students receive financial aid?
• Are there separate applications for merit-based scholarships?
• When are priority deadlines for scholarships and FAFSA submissions?
• Are there work-study opportunities on campus?
• Can I stack scholarships from multiple sources?

Using a college visit questions checklist that includes financial aid topics ensures you’re ready to make informed, cost-conscious decisions.

Career Services and Internship Opportunities

College is about more than academics — career preparation matters, too. Exploring what support is available for internships and job placement can help you evaluate how well a school sets students up for success.

Top career-related questions to ask on a college tour include:

• What career services are there?
• Do you offer resume help, interview coaching or job fairs?
• What percentage of students complete internships before graduation?
• Are internships built into certain programs or majors?
• Do alumni stay involved in career mentoring or hiring?

Texas Wesleyan supports students with robust career services and internship resources, helping you gain valuable experience and build professional connections before graduation.

Making the Most of Your Junior-Year Visit

Junior year is the ideal time to begin touring campuses — before the pressure of applications, testing and final deadlines sets in. Visiting early gives you the freedom to explore without rushing and the chance to ask meaningful questions while you're still narrowing down your list. To make the most of each visit, be intentional about your timing, your conversations and the events you attend.

Scheduling Tours Around Academic Calendars

When planning your visit, check the school’s academic calendar to avoid breaks, finals or summer sessions. Touring while classes are in session offers a more realistic view of campus life. You’ll see students walking to class, dining halls in use and academic buildings open. Some schools may even let you sit in on a lecture. This timing also improves your chances of meeting professors, advisors and staff who may not be available during off-peak periods. It’s a key part of how to plan a college visit that gives you a fuller sense of what day-to-day life might be like.

Meeting Current Students and Alumni

Talking with current students gives you honest, firsthand insight that brochures can’t provide. Ask about their favorite classes, how they got involved on campus or what they wish they’d known as a prospective student. Some colleges also offer opportunities to speak with recent alumni, either during open houses or through scheduled panels. These conversations can give you a clearer picture of post-graduation outcomes and campus culture. Be sure to include these interactions in your college visit planning guide, as they can help you gauge whether you’d feel at home in that environment.

Attending Information Sessions and Open Houses

In addition to regular campus tours, many schools host structured events like open houses or junior preview days. These sessions often include presentations from admissions staff, Q&A panels with students and faculty and breakout meetings by academic department. It’s a great way to gather key details in one visit and ask in-depth questions on a college tour that might not come up during a general tour. Don’t forget to register in advance, bring a notebook and collect any materials they hand out. These events often fill up quickly and provide a deeper look at both academics and student life.

How Early Visits Give You a Strategic Edge

Visiting colleges as a junior isn’t just about getting ahead, but rather, it’s about making smarter, more confident choices. When you give yourself extra time, you can explore campuses more thoroughly, make meaningful connections and refine your priorities before application season begins. Here’s how early visits can give you a clear advantage:

Planning Ahead for Admissions Season

College applications require time, energy and organization. Visiting schools early helps you gather the information you need to make a solid plan for senior year. You’ll leave each tour with clarity around deadlines, application materials, scholarship timelines and academic expectations. By the time admissions season rolls around, you’ll already have a shortlist of schools, a completed college visit questions checklist and a clear sense of what each institution values. That foresight can reduce stress and help you submit stronger, more targeted applications.

Identifying Your Ideal College Fit

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by rankings and marketing materials, but nothing replaces the experience of seeing a campus for yourself. Visiting schools early gives you time to compare different environments, such as big vs. small, urban vs. suburban and traditional vs. career focused. You’ll get a better sense of what feels right, both academically and socially. For instance, maybe you’ll discover a preference for smaller class sizes or a specific housing setup. A well-planned college visit allows you to evaluate each institution based on firsthand experience, helping you refine your choices beyond what brochures and websites offer.

Building Relationships With Key Staff and Faculty

When you visit early, you’re meeting the people who could shape your college experience. Making a strong impression with admissions counselors, academic advisors or faculty members can open doors later, especially when you’re ready to apply or request a letter of recommendation. These early connections can also lead to opportunities for mentorship, campus involvement or program-specific guidance. Schools like Texas Wesleyan emphasize community and support, encouraging students to build long-lasting and meaningful connections.

Discover Your Future at Texas Wesleyan University

Junior year college visits put you in a stronger position to make informed, confident choices about your future. From asking the right questions on a college tour to exploring academic programs, housing and campus culture, early planning helps you stay ahead of deadlines and avoid last-minute stress. Each visit brings you closer to identifying the school that fits your goals, lifestyle and ambitions.

Whether you're interested in a traditional campus experience or a flexible online degree, Texas Wesleyan University offers supportive programs, dedicated faculty and resources to help you succeed. Connect today to learn how we can help you take the next step with confidence.