Is it possible to just pop in at a school this time of year? I feel like once school starts, it’s going to be crazy busy and hard to schedule visits just to “look around” or see what a school is like. Our list of possible schools feels too long, and I’d love to narrow it down without beginning a formal process. Maybe just walk around without telling anyone we are there? Or is that a dumb idea, because you see and learn so much about a school with a tour/guide and seeing kids on campus? Just not sure how we’re going to narrow down our list! I read so much good stuff about so many schools, we could apply to them all!
Visiting schools without scheduling should be fine, as long as you just have a look around campus. I have popped into the schools I was admitted to and nobody seemed to mind. I didn’t walk into the buildings though, so I don’t know how people will react if you plan to do so.
Alternatively, you could call the admissions office and simply schedule a campus tour so that you can have a look in some of the academic buildings, sports facilities and dorms. You don’t have to apply after your tour.
This time of year some schools are pretty empty, because summer term ended and its vacation time. Better to pop in to walk around when there are people around.
Yes, we pre-visited several schools, but they are all beautiful and impressive, so none came off the list.
It is important to do the tour and interview if you are applying to the school.
Suggest carefully scheduling fall interviews early, the weekends fill up fast. We did Friday/Saturday/Monday runs because we flew in.
Schedule the tours if you can. Without it, all you are getting is a look at architecture and landscaping. I don’t agree about the interviews, unless you know your kid is a strong interviewer and has time to learn something about the school before you go. My youngest got in everyplace she applied, including places like U of Chicago, without interviewing.
It is better to visit when classes are in session and sit in on a class, but a summer visit is better than nothing.
This is a prep school forum; at most schools, interviews are not optional as they are for college admissions. Unless the OP is talking about unscheduled visits to colleges, in which case, she posted in the wrong forum.
Assuming we are talking about prep schools, you should still try to schedule an appointment for a tour/interview. Many schools are now doing interviews and tours during the summer due to the volume of applications. While the campus will be empty, it’s better than not visiting at all. Likewise, if the school does not offer summer tours, visiting an empty campus is better than not visiting at all.