As a Charlotte, NC senior photographer and mom of a recent college graduate, trust me—I’ve been there. When your child is deep into high school, college feels both too far away and way too close. You want to support them, plan smart, and not miss any major steps. One of the most important parts of this process? College visits—and with them, some common college campus tour mistakes that can sneak up on even the most prepared families. So let’s talk about what those mistakes are and how to avoid them!
Here’s the thing: how and when you visit matters. And I’ve seen too many families miss out on key experiences or waste precious time just because they didn’t know how to get started.
🚫 Common College Campus Tour Mistakes: #1 Visiting in the Summer
Sure, summer sounds convenient—no school to work around, everyone’s schedule is a little lighter. But here’s the catch: most campuses are practically empty during summer break. The dining halls are quiet. The sidewalks are bare. And the energy that defines campus life is totally missing.
Instead, try to visit during the school year—even if it means pulling your teen out for a day. It’s 100% worth it to see the campus alive. You’ll get a better feel for the vibe, student culture, and classroom dynamics. Some families even plan short day trips on long weekends or teacher workdays just to catch the college in action.
💰 Mistake #2: Touring Colleges Outside of YOUR Budget
This one stings—but it’s a real talk moment. There’s no point in falling in love with a school that you simply can’t afford and that doesn’t offer merit-based aid.
Before visiting, look at tuition, room and board, and cost of living. Then research the college’s average merit scholarship amounts (if any). Schools with bigger endowments sometimes offer generous aid—others don’t.
And here’s another smart step: compare the cost of the college with the average starting salary of graduates in your teen’s intended career path. If your student wants to be a teacher, social worker, or artist, it’s important to choose a school where the cost of attendance aligns with realistic earning potential after graduation.
💡 This is a great time to start teaching your teen about long-term financial balance. Student loan debt is real—and going into debt that takes decades to recover from can make it hard to enjoy life after college.
A good rule of thumb? If the college doesn’t offer what your family needs financially, skip the in-person visit for now. Focus your time and travel budget on real options.
🎓 Mistake #3: Not Matching the School to Your Teen’s Major
Every school has a personality—and a specialty. If your teen has a strong interest in a certain field (even if it changes later!), prioritize schools where that program is known and well-supported. Visiting a college with a weak department in your student’s interest area can create false hope.
Even better? Request a department-specific tour. Many colleges will arrange a meeting or even a shadowing opportunity with a student in that major. It’s a game-changer. Your teen can ask real, unfiltered questions about the coursework, professors, job placement, and overall vibe.
🙋♀️ Common College Campus Tour Mistakes: #4 Not Letting Your Teen Ask the Questions
It’s tempting to take over—after all, you know how important this stuff is. But make space for your teen to lead. Encourage them to prep a few questions ahead of time. If they’re shy, have them ask peers (older siblings, cousins, friends) what they wish they’d known before choosing their school.
When students talk to actual college kids—especially those in their major or extracurricular interests—they get clearer, more relevant info than any tour guide could provide.
Check out this blog for content related to detailed planning visits.
📸 Bonus Insight from a Charlotte Senior Photographer: Don’t Forget the Timeline
College visits are important—but so is senior year itself. As a senior photographer in Charlotte, I’ve had countless clients tell me how overwhelmed they felt once senior year actually hit. Between college essays, sports, homecoming, and prom, it’s a lot – and especially during the months of September-October and again March-May
Here’s your reminder:
Senior photos shouldn’t be an afterthought. The best time to plan them? Late spring of junior year or early summer as a rising senior. This gives you plenty of time to choose outfits, nail the look you want, and avoid the scheduling scramble later.
Want to celebrate this milestone the right way?
👉 Let’s chat about booking your teen’s senior portraits. I’d love to help you create a session that reflects their personality and dreams.
⏳ Mistake #5 Planning For Too Much: Focus on Your Top Choices First
College touring can quickly become overwhelming—and more time-consuming and expensive than expected. Many families underestimate how many days they’ll need to really explore campuses, attend info sessions, and soak in the atmosphere.
To avoid burnout and budget strain, start early by narrowing down your list to your top 5 schools. Spend quality time visiting those before considering driving further down the list. This approach helps you focus your energy and resources where it matters most—and makes the whole process more manageable for everyone.
Key Reminder To Avoid Common College Campus Tour Mistakes: Smart Planning = Fewer Regrets
College planning isn’t about pressure—it’s about possibilities. So as you’re mapping out your teen’s next steps, remember that how you plan can be just as important as where you plan to go.
Have open conversations, explore schools with intention, join the Paying For College 101 group and don’t forget to savor the little moments of this exciting season. Whether it’s their dream campus or their senior portrait session, it’s all part of the bigger picture.
You’ve got time—but starting early gives your family the gift of clarity.
More Info On College and Senior Portraits Prep:
- Ultimate Summer Guide To College Planning For Charlotte Juniors
- Senior Photographer Seasonal Guide For Charlotte Grads
