What are some things to do to prepare for and get the most out of an unofficial visit?

An unofficial visit should be treated with the same importance of an official visit even though you are responsible for paying for all expenses related to the unofficial visit. Do not be discouraged if a College or University you are interested in hasn’t offered an opportunity for an official visit. Keep realistic expectations during the recruiting process and understand if the coaches are not eager to host you, they likely are not interested in recruiting you.

Preparing for an unofficial visit is key to making a positive impression and getting the most out of the experience.

Here are some tips to help you maximize your visit:

1. Research the Program: Familiarize yourself with the team’s history, coaching staff, and current players. Understand their competition style and recent performance. As a potential recruit you should be well versed on the program inside and out before setting foot on campus. Look at the roster, know opponents and get a feel for the culture of the program.
2. Reach Out Early: Contact the coaching staff in advance to express your interest and set up a schedule for your visit. This shows initiative and enthusiasm. Be aware of the competition schedule for your sport and understand how the recruiting cycle happens for a particular sport. Some sports actively set up unofficial visits during their season and some do not. Look for any breaks in competition during the season as  an opportunity to visit campus and potentially connect with a Coach or recruiting coordinator. I advise all of my clients to  never try to drop in cold or unannounced and reach out to admissions for assistance to get the most out of the visit.
3. Prepare Questions: Develop thoughtful questions about the program, their recruiting process, and what they look for in a player. This demonstrates your interest and helps you gauge if it’s a good fit for you. Treat an unofficial visit like a job interview. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is for students and families to come to the visit prepared with questions.
4. Be Engaged: During the visit, be present and engaged. Show enthusiasm for the campus, the team, and the community. This helps build rapport with the coaches and Athletes you meet on the visit. These may be your future teammates and remember the Head Coach will definitely ask his or her current team members what they thought about you and if you will be a good fit. As a former College Basketball Coach, the feedback I got from my players was a very important part of my decision to offer a student an official visit or a spot on my team.
5. Connect with current Athletes: Spend time with current players to get insights into their experiences and the culture of the program. Ask about their daily routines, training, and academics. Get a feel for what a typical day in the life of a student-Athlete who competes in your sport goes through. Most Colleges will offer an opportunity to sit in on a class as a part of your unofficial visit.
6. Explore the Campus: Take time to tour the campus, facilities, and local area. This will help you visualize yourself as part of the community. Be sure to take a good look at sport related facilities as well as housing, dining and of course the academic buildings.
7. Follow Up: After your visit, send a thank-you note to the coaches expressing your gratitude for their time and reiterating your interest in the program. This keeps the lines of communication open. All follow up should be completed no later than 48 hours after the conclusion of the visit. Preferably an email or even handwritten letter. I never recommend a text for my clients.
8. Reflect on Your Experience: After the visit, think about how the program aligns with your goals and aspirations. Consider both the athletic and academic opportunities available. Current rules permit unlimited unofficial visits and only 5 official visits. There has been some discussion from the NCAA to increase or eliminate the number of official visits.
9. Stay Professional: Throughout the process, maintain a professional demeanor. This includes being punctual, respectful, and prepared. I tell each of my clients prior to an official or unofficial visit that they should assume they are being watched and evaluated the moment the step out of the car or are picked up at the airport. Be aware that any person a student and their family meet during the course of the visit may be contacted by the Head Coach or members of the coaching staff for their impression of the student and even the family.

By approaching your unofficial visit thoughtfully, you’ll not only gain valuable insights but also leave a positive impression on the coaching staff.

Please check out the rest of my website to learn more about PrepSearch and how I’ve helped over 1700 students attend college using sports since 2007.

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EM