✅ Spend Time Away From Your Parents This one can be tough for parents, especially if they drove you there. But, ultimately it is your decision and you need to get an authentic sense of what attending that college or university will be like. Frankly, that can only happen if you get to spend time alone with current students. Most schools at the D3 level will have an option for an overnight visit with a current team member. If they don’t, you can still get a lot out of a day trip. Either way, ask your parents to stay close by in a hotel and attend financial aid info sessions or explore the surrounding area while you visit with the team.

✅ BONUS - Speak w/ Admissions The coach who is recruiting you might be able to assist with booking some time, but if not go on to the admissions department's website and schedule an appointment. Getting time with them is not only a great way to get your questions answered and better understand next steps for things like applications and financial aid - but it also "demonstrates interest". This is a vital thing that can differentiate you from other applicants come decision time in the winter or spring. The fact that you took the time to speak with members of the college staff will definitely be a factor working in your favor should you need a little bit of help during the eventual admissions read. They will know you personally and can attest to how genuine you were about attending that school. Don't miss the chance to get some face time with the people who will be deciding your future while you're on campus.

❌ Drink Alcohol Often times if you’re visiting on a weekend, your recruiting host (a current player) will bring you along to a party or into a situation where alcohol is present. This should be a no brainer because you’ll be under 21, but DO NOT drink during your visit. Trust us, you can still have a great time and not drink. If you like what you see during the weekend and get accepted, you can look forward to four years of enjoying the party scene. In the meantime, the short-term fun you may have is not worth the risk of jeopardizing your recruitment by getting drunk and doing something stupid. Trust us, we’ve seen it happen way too often - even with highly talented players.

❌ Overdo it During a Team Activity Part of a visit can be proving that you’re a capable player. It will likely be the only time the current student-athletes get to see you play before you enroll (outside of an elite camp) so it is a meaningful first impression. With that said, your goal should not be to score as much as possible or to dominate. Get a sense of how they run things, try to play with their system, and work yourself into the flow of the game. Take your opportunities where you find them (i.e. shoot when you’re open), but do not feel that you need to force it just to impress them. Often, recruits that act tough or try too hard to prove something end up alienating the current players. No one wants to play with a ball hog or someone who is too intense.