Mixing and matching summer and spring college visits

Just a couple of notes to add to this advice. First, if you do a self-guided tour using an app on your phone (which I recommend if the option is available and you can’t schedule a guided tour – of course a guided tour is best), admissions will know about that, because you have to register and log in – so you don’t need to check in with the admissions office in that case. If you’re just walking around campus without the app, then you’ll want to check in if possible.

Re: interviews – these are rarely used to evaluate you. They are used more to assess interest, and even more than that to keep alumni engaged with the school (in cases where alums do the interviews). Request interviews if possible, but sometimes colleges won’t be able to meet all requests, and it won’t be held against you if you don’t get one (or if interviews are in-person only and you can’t visit campus when they’re offered). There are lots of ways to demonstrate interest. Do research this in advance to be aware of interview availability.

Finally, not all schools consider demonstrated interest (not even all LACs). You can find out which schools do by checking the factors that influence admissions decisions in the CDS.