College visits are an important part of the recruiting process. It can also be a fun part! There are two visits that student-athletes participate in… unofficial visits and official visits. This post will explain everything one needs to know about unofficial visits.

What Is An Unofficial Visit?

An unofficial visit in college sports recruiting is when a student-athlete visits a college campus at their own/family’s expense. The student-athlete (or their family) covers the cost of the visit, including travel, food, lodging. During an unofficial visit, the athlete may meet with coaches, training staff, tour the facilities, attend a game or practice, and learn more about the school and its athletic programs. The rest of the time can be spent touring the college campus, visiting the on and off campus housing, possibly meeting with an academic advisor, sitting in a class, eating in the dining hall, food court, cafeteria, or even taking in some college culture. Athletes can make an unlimited number of unofficial visits. Unofficial visits can be initiated by a student-athlete, as well as the college coaching staff.

Why Take An Unofficial Visit?

Opportunity! The purpose of an unofficial visit is an important opportunity to improve your recruiting prospect. Especially if you have not been invited to an official visit. In addition to that, these visits help student-athletes explore schools, build relationships with coaches, and gain a better understanding of a school’s athletic, academic, and social environment. You get to experience college life. Another benefit is that unofficial visits can occur before official visits, so student-athletes have an opportunity to determine if a particular college is the one for them. Unofficial visits also allow parents to check out the school as well.

Is Unofficial Visits Worth It?

As stated earlier, unofficial visits are an opportunity to improve your recruiting process. And yes, you can take as many unofficial visits as you would like. But, should you? Yes, if invited by a coach/school and it’s a college that you are interested in attending. If you have not been invited to an unofficial visit, and you are looking to set up one yourself, here are some things to consider. Have you been in contact with the coach previously? Has the coach asked about your interest in setting up an unofficial visit? Have they asked for your academic information, videos, etc.? Have you received a letter of interest? Have the coaching staff reached out to your coach? If you answered “yes” to any, some, or all of these questions, then you might want to consider setting up an unofficial visit.

Unofficial visits does not guarantee scholarships or a spot on the team. Remember, unofficial visits are simply a step in the recruiting process. But, this is your opportunity to make a good impression. Show up prepared and ready to learn. Know the college campus you are visiting. Create list of questions to ask the coaches. Dress to impress, even if it is casual! NCAA rules may limit when and how unofficial visits can occur, particularly in Division I sports, where contact periods and recruiting timelines are tightly regulated. These visits are an important part of the college recruiting process, as they allow athletes to get a feel for a school before making a commitment. Make the most of them and have fun! As always, good luck!

Resources

Your Guide To Unofficial Visits – Like How To Schedule Unofficial Visits Here

40 Questions To Ask Here

Download Unnofficial Visits Questions