Not all college visits are created equal.
In the recruiting process, both unofficial and official visits can move the needle — but only if your family knows what to expect and how to prepare for each one.
Here’s a clear breakdown of the key differences between the two, what each visit tells you about the school’s interest, and how to help your son make the most of the opportunity.
What’s the Difference?
▶️ Unofficial Visit
- Paid for entirely by the family
- Can happen at any grade level (as long as NCAA rules allow communication)
- Includes a tour, meeting with coaches, possibly watching a practice
- Often initiated by the family — shows early interest
- Less structured, more informal
- A chance to gather information, build relationships, and get a feel for the campus
▶️ Official Visit
- Paid for by the school (travel, lodging, meals, entertainment)
- Can only be offered once a player is in their junior year (as of NCAA rules)
- Invitation-only — signals strong interest from the program
- Highly structured — meetings with coaches, current players, admissions, professors
- Counted as 1 of 5 official visits allowed by the NCAA
- Treated like a “final round” of the recruiting process
How to Prep for an Unofficial Visit
Unofficial visits are more self-directed — which means your preparation makes all the difference.
- Do your homework beforehand:
Know the head coach, recruiting coordinator, recent team performance, roster depth at your son’s position, and what makes the school unique academically.
- Let your son lead the conversation:
Even if the visit is informal, coaches are watching how your son communicates. Help him prepare 2–3 good questions and give him space to answer first.
- Walk the campus with intention:
This is your chance to see what life would feel like there — not just as an athlete, but as a student.
- Follow up afterward:
Send a short thank-you email with a recap of what stood out. Mention any questions that came up post-visit. Keep the door open and the connection warm.
How to Prep for an Official Visit
Official visits are a sign of serious interest. The school is using their resources to bring your son in — so treat it like a job interview and an inside look.
- Pack with professionalism in mind:
No need for formal wear, but your son should dress like someone taking the opportunity seriously (clean polo, nice jeans or shorts, no slides or hats indoors).
- Prep your son to speak confidently:
He will meet coaches, support staff, players, and maybe even professors. Help him prep thoughtful questions and be ready to speak for himself — not lean on you.
- Observe the culture:
How do players interact when the coaches aren’t around? Is your son being welcomed or just toured? Watch the details — because they reveal the real program dynamic.
- Ask about development and day-to-day life:
This is the time to ask deeper questions:
- What does player development look like here?
- What’s a typical daily schedule for freshmen?
- How does the program handle academic support?
Bottom Line:
Unofficial visits let you explore options.
Official visits confirm fit.
Both are powerful tools but only if your family comes in prepared, present, and professional.
Want help knowing what to ask, what to notice, and how to help your son leave a lasting impression?Access our FREE Guide: Your College Visit Game Plan — built to help families turn visits into real clarity (and real opportunity).
