Maximizing Family Trips: Exploring College Campuses with Your Student Athlete
As the parent of a dedicated student athlete, you're undoubtedly aware of the importance of finding the right college to continue their academic and athletic journey. While official and unofficial visits are common methods of exploring potential schools, there's another valuable approach: exploring college campuses informally. These casual visits, often done during family vacations, tournaments, or local outings, can help your athlete get a feel for different campus environments and play a significant role in shaping their list of prospective schools. In this blog post, I'll discuss the advantages of these informal visits and provide tips on how to make the most of them.
Why Explore College Campuses Informally?
Discover Personal Preferences: Informal visits offer your athlete the chance to explore various campuses at their own pace. Without the pressure of scheduled tours or meetings, they can take the time to absorb the atmosphere, architecture, and overall vibe of each college.
Narrow Down Options: By visiting different campuses informally, your athlete can begin to identify specific characteristics that resonate with them. Is it the lush greenery, the bustling city life, or the close-knit community that appeals to them? These observations will help them as they create a list of schools that align with their preferences.
Get a Feel for Campus Life: Informal visits often allow your athlete to witness campus life in action. They can observe students going about their daily routines, engage with current students, and get a sense of what it might be like to be part of that community.
Tips for Informal Campus Visits
Plan Ahead: Research colleges in the areas you'll be visiting or explore local colleges near your home.
Check Visitor Policies: Some colleges may have visitor policies that restrict access to certain areas. It's a good idea to check in advance to make sure you can explore freely.
Wander and Observe: During your visits, encourage your athlete to wander around campus, explore buildings, and take note of what stands out to them. Is it the campus layout, the architecture, or the general ambiance that resonates?
Take Photos and Notes: Capture photos and jot down notes about each campus. Documenting impressions will be beneficial when reviewing and comparing schools later.
Reflect Together: After each visit, have a conversation with your athlete about their impressions. Encourage them to share what they liked and didn't like about each campus. This reflective process will assist them in forming a clearer picture of their preferences.
Informal campus visits can be a valuable part of the college exploration process for student-athletes. While they may not involve meetings with coaching staff or formal tours, these visits provide an opportunity for your athlete to take ownership of their college search and adjust their list of potential schools.
By engaging in this informal approach to campus exploration, you're helping your athlete gain insights into what type of campus environment best suits their goals and aspirations. Remember, each visit, even if it's just a casual stroll through campus, brings your athlete one step closer to finding the perfect fit for their academic and athletic endeavors.
If you're a parent looking to empower your child's dreams, explore the resources available through Recruit Ready. Our book, coaching course and seminars are designed to equip both parents and student-athletes with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in the recruiting process. Visit our website at www.BeRecruitReady.com to discover how Recruit Ready can be your ultimate guide to unlocking your child's full athletic potential.