Journey to College: Why Visiting Colleges is a Critical Piece of the Application Process

Choosing the right college is one of the most significant decisions high school seniors will make, and college visits are a valuable part of the college application process. While online research and virtual tours have their place, nothing compares to the tangible experience of stepping onto a college campus. Our CollegeBound Initiative (CBI) team creates opportunities for students to gain exposure to colleges and discover the right fit for them. See how our recent out-of-state trips support students in making informed decisions about their college plans!

Curated Exposure That Sparks Discovery: Women’s Colleges

College trips provide carefully curated experiences designed to spark interest and deepen our students’ understanding of different educational environments. Students learn about colleges they might not have considered on their own, broadening their horizons beyond name recognition or geographical familiarity. By experiencing campuses firsthand, students can discover what resonates with them, whether it’s a specific academic program, campus culture, or community support.

Trusted College Partners for Student Success: Gettysburg College Overnight Trip

The relationships that Student Leadership Network has built with college partners ensure that students have access to admissions representatives and current college students who can provide insights into campus life. One common concern among students and families is the experience of living away from home to attend college in another state. Our team plans trips with institutions that have demonstrated track records of supporting our students both academically and through mentorship and practical support for the transition to college.

Our overnight trip to Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania provided over 30 students with an immersive taste of college life. Students experienced living in a dorm, eating in the dining halls, interacting with college students, and observing campus building safety. They also now better understand the distance between home and an out-of-state campus, and can ease their anxiety about the unknown. Vanessa Kilpatrick, DCC at Manhattan Business Academy, who helped plan and chaperone the trip, said, “I think the students were impressed by the small, inclusive, and supportive environment; the financial aid packages; and the strong connection between the college and the surrounding community.”

Partnering with Gettysburg College, an institution with a proven record of successfully matriculating and graduating our students, for an overnight visit gives students and families an experience that can inform their final college lists. “I had never stayed overnight on a college campus before, and it took me out of my comfort zone, but it was worth it,” shared a student from the High School for Youth and Community Development. “Getting this experience before you commit to a campus is essential because it offers insights into the community you might be stepping into [and] what things might be like wherever you decide to go.”

Breaking Down Barriers to Access: HBCU College Fair

Another vital reason for organized college trips is to provide access for students who face practical obstacles to campus visits or face-time with admissions representatives. Some families in our communities do not have transportation or financial resources to tour multiple colleges across states on their own. Our college trips level the playing field, ensuring that all students, regardless of their family’s circumstances, have the opportunity to explore their options and make informed decisions about their futures.

Seniors in Buffalo spoke with their counselors to request college information, specifically about Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). “We encourage our students to advocate for themselves, and are finding ways to get them that exposure,” said Kayla Powell, a Senior Manager of College Access Services who supports college counseling at South Park High School. While an HBCU campus trip wasn’t immediately feasible, our Buffalo team innovated by bringing 25 students to an HBCU college fair hosted at Warrensville Heights High School in Ohio through their college access network.

“Our students met with HBCU admissions reps and learned about instant admissions and the Common Black College Application to apply to multiple HBCUs. We also had district parent volunteers who joined us on the trip to share the amazing experience!” shared Joell Stubbe, Associate Director of College Access Services. “We look forward to creating even more opportunities and experiences for our students in the future.” This creative solution opened an opportunity not only for our partner schools but also for students across Buffalo Public Schools to join the trip, building district-wide capacity and exposure to college options.

Exposure Builds Informed Decision-Making

College trips have the power to broaden perspectives and transform the abstract idea of “going to college” into tangible, achievable goals. Whether students are choosing between college and postsecondary programs close to home or farther away, trips to visit the facilities and meet the people who will shape the next pivotal years of their educational and career paths are vitally important. Our CollegeBound Initiative and College Access Services teams are here to support students every step of the way as they make plans for college and beyond!

We extend our thanks to Student Leadership Network’s counseling teams and College Transition Coaches for planning and chaperoning these trips. We are grateful to Buffalo Public Schools for co-sponsoring the HBCU fair trip and to the BPS School Counseling Team for supporting logistics. Finally, a special shout-out to all of the staff at Mount Holyoke, Smith, and Gettysburg Colleges and Warrensville Heights High School for welcoming our students to your campuses for these life-changing opportunities.