With packed schedules, multiple organization platforms, unpredictable student turnout, and an increasingly digital recruitment landscape, it’s fair to ask: Are high school visits still worth it?

The answer is a resounding yes—but only if you approach them with intentionality and a fresh perspective.

Why High School Visits Still Matter

1. Human Connection in a Digital Age
   In an era dominated by virtual tours, email campaigns, and AI chatbots, face-to-face conversations offer something unique: authenticity. A real conversation with a counselor demystifies the admissions process and gives students a sense of the people behind the application portal. 

💡TIP: Ask students what they want. Make space to hear their voice. Each coming class is different. Stay on top of their priorities by asking questions.

2. Counselor Relationships = Long-Term Returns
   High school counselors are often gatekeepers and advocates for students. Building a rapport with them—especially at schools that may not traditionally send many applicants—can pay dividends for years. 

💡TIP: Ask counselors to give some insights about their school, their students, and how the k12 landscape is shifting from their perspective. 

3. Access and Equity
   Visiting underrepresented schools or those with limited college counseling resources helps level the playing field. Showing up sends an important message right now: You matter to us.

💡TIP: Share with students the cultural values of your school and have a conversation with students how it makes them feel and may impact them. 

4. Authentic Engagement Builds Trust—and Commitment
   In a crowded landscape of colleges vying for attention, genuine, human interactions stand out. When students feel seen and heard—not just recruited—they’re more likely to trust your institution and envision themselves there. Authentic engagement isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a key driver of long-term interest and yield.

💡TIP: Be present. Share your story, ask about theirs, and avoid canned talking points. Real conversations build real connections—and that’s what moves students from curious to committed.

Fresh Perspective. Fresh Features.

We at SchooLinks acknowledge our pivotal role in connecting students to higher ed institutions via our event scheduler features. We are excited to announce coming updates this summer to the event scheduler features in our platform that allow you to schedule high school visits.  

✅Leverage territory management to organize your efforts

✅Updated dashboards and organizational tools

✅New workflows to maximize your time 

Engage with us today to learn more about how you can use SchooLinks to have an impact this fall. 

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