Your Campus Visit Isn’t a Field Trip.... It’s an Interview

Your Campus Visit Isn’t a Field Trip.... It’s an Interview

Coaches Are Watching and So Should You

Once you walk into that office or locker room, the recruiting pitch is in full effect. Coaches are observing everything your child’s energy, curiosity, and how you interact as a family. But parents often forget that this is also your chance to quietly observe the program’s reality.

Is the athletic facility up to date or does it feel neglected?
Are the athletes wearing current gear or outdated uniforms?
Do the staff and players seem proud, or stretched thin?

You can learn a lot about a school’s budget and priorities without anyone saying a word. Schools with strong financial health or active NIL collectives tend to invest visibly in their programs.

Reading the NIL Landscape

NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) isn’t only about sponsorships. It’s about opportunity.
When you’re on campus, pay attention to the signs of a healthy NIL ecosystem.

Are there posters or screens showcasing athlete partnerships? Do staff members talk openly about NIL education or brand-building programs? Is there evidence of local businesses supporting athletes?

If the answers feel vague or uncertain, that may signal the school doesn’t yet have strong NIL infrastructure in place.

That’s why The Pre-Visit Research Sheet and The Parent’s College Visit Playbook are powerful tools to bring along. They help you spot the details that matter the financial realities, the culture, and the long-term potential of each program.

You’re not just gathering facts; you’re reading the environment your child might live in for the next four years.

Do This Today

Before your next visit, use the Pre-Visit Research Sheet to study the school’s campus life, cost of living, and local NIL presence. Then, open The Parent’s College Visit Playbook to build three smart questions your athlete can ask on their own.

Because the families who treat visits like interviews not photo ops are the ones who leave with clarity, not confusion.