How Do You Ask For An Unofficial Visit?

There is only so much you can learn about a program from afar. At a certain point in the recruiting process, you will want to visit different programs to help determine which of them would be the best fit for you. Taking unofficial visits is one of the best ways of accomplishing this. As a recruit, I am sure you are wondering the best way to broach the subject of unofficial visits with the coaches at the programs you are interested in.

The good news is that setting up an unofficial visit is typically not very complicated. In your next conversation with the coach at the program you are planning to visit, explain your interest in their program and tell them that you plan on visiting. Then, you can work out a day with the coach that works for both of you. Because the financial burden of the visit falls on you and your family, coaches are generally pretty flexible with scheduling unofficial visits.

Even though it may feel like a big ask to bring up the topic of visiting a coach’s program earlier on in the recruiting process, it is important to remember that the coach is courting you just as much as you are them. A coach will see an unofficial visit as the perfect opportunity to show you what makes their program the perfect fit for you.

Setting Up An Unofficial Visit

An unofficial visit is defined as any visit to a college’s campus that is paid for entirely by you and your family. Because of this, you do not technically need to ask the coach of the program you are interested in whether you can visit. You can tour the school, see the dorms, and even eat in the dining halls on a normal college visit.

Communication Is Still Key: However, communicating and planning with the program’s coach will increase your chances of having a meaningful visit. In addition to touring the campus as a normal student would, the coach can ensure that you get to tour the weight rooms or practice facilities, learn about their training/nutrition program, and even meet some of the current athletes in the program. On your visit, you want to learn as much as you can about both the specific program you are interested in and the general college you would be attending.

Try To Be Flexible: Sometimes this isn’t possible. If you are touring numerous schools, or booked a flight on a specific date, there may only be one day where you are free to visit the coach’s school. However, do your best to be as flexible as possible. Coaches are very busy people and will not be free every day to help ensure your visit goes smoothly. By giving them a range of dates that you are free on, you greatly increase the chances that they will also be free to help with the visit. Additionally, coaches will appreciate you being considerate of their time.

The Difference Between Unofficial And Official Visits: This can be confusing for a lot of recruits. While unofficial and official visits may seem similar, they are not the same thing. An official visit is typically paid for, at least partially, by the program. They may pay for your flight, housing, and/or food. Because of this, you are limited in the number you are allowed to take. Additionally, they are a much bigger ask than an unofficial visit because they require more planning and commitment from the coaches at the program you are interested in.

Understand The Restrictions: One great thing about unofficial visits is that it does not matter what age you are. Because of this, they can be a great way to get an idea of what you might be looking for in a college when you are deciding where to apply. However, remember that, until August 1st before your junior year, you are not allowed to arrange unofficial visits with the school’s athletic department. This means you are limited to the things a normal prospective student would do on a visit- walking around the campus, exploring the town, attending academic information sessions, etc.

Unofficial visits can be an important part of the recruiting process. They help you decide what you are looking for in a school, while also narrowing your list of schools you are interested in. However, keep in mind that unofficial visits are not free. You have to pay for the travel, housing, and food associated with a visit. Because of this, it is important that you are purposeful and selective when choosing which colleges to visit.

A Guide To Acing Your Unofficial (Or Official) Visit

An unofficial visit is predominantly an opportunity for you to learn more about the school and program you are interested in. However, coaches also consider it a great opportunity to evaluate your potential fit in their program. We’ve included some tips below to help you learn as much as possible on your visit, while also impressing the program’s coaches.

Do Your Research: College coaches don’t expect you to be an expert on their program. They do, however, expect you to have done your basic background research. You should be able to articulate both the specific aspects of their programs that interest you and the ones you want to learn more about. This will signal to them that you are taking the recruiting process, and their program seriously. Additionally, the better prepared you are the less time coaches have to waste explaining information that is readily available on their website to you.

Be Active And Engaged: While coaches obviously evaluate you as an athlete first, this does not mean that your character and demeanor are not important. Coaches want players who will actively participate and positively contribute to their program off the field. There is no better way to show this than to be as engaged as possible during your visit. Stay away from answering questions with “yes,” “no,” or any other single word answers. A major part of the unofficial visit is continuing to build a relationship with the coaches at that program.

Ask Good Questions: Before your visit, you should put together a pretty extensive list of questions you have about the program. While putting together this list, be sure you are checking the program’s website to make sure none of your questions can be answered there. Your list can include questions about anything. Some examples of things that may be good to ask about are travel during the season, academic support available to athletes, their off-season training schedule, or where the coach sees you fitting into their program.

Do As Much As Possible: Try to experience as much as possible during your visit because it may be the only time you get to see the school before you decide where to commit. In addition to the schedule the coach has planned for you, do things like going on a campus tour, sitting in on a class, or eating at a popular local restaurant. The more you do, the better able you will be to gauge your interest in the school.

During your unofficial visit, remember that you are there to learn about the program and school. Do your best to be an active listener and ask any questions that come to mind. Coaches will appreciate the opportunity to talk about their program.

Things To Keep In Mind

Visit Local Schools First: Even if you are sure you want to attend a school that is far away, it can still be incredibly valuable (and inexpensive) to visit your local schools. These visits can help you determine what factors you really care about when choosing which school to commit to.

Unofficial Visits Are Unlimited: There are no restrictions on the number of unofficial visits you can take. Because of this, don’t be afraid to schedule a visit to a program that you want to learn more about.

Take Notes: If you are visiting numerous colleges, especially in a short period of time, taking notes can be helpful. It will allow you to easily compare your experiences at different schools, without forgetting what happened during each visit.