How do I arrange university visits to my school?
If you want university representatives to visit your school, you’ll need to build positive relationships with admissions officers
Augusto Neto
Some schools are lucky and will naturally receive requests from many universities to come and visit their campuses. If this is not your experience, there are several things that can be done to build positive relationships with admissions officers.
Research university contacts
Begin by researching the universities you would like to invite to your school. Universities typically have dedicated admissions teams, so identify the appropriate contact person. This information can usually be found on the university’s official website or through admissions office directories.
Use professional associations
Many countries have professional associations or organisations for college counsellors, such as the International Association for College Admission Counseling (IACAC) or equivalent regional organisations. These associations often have resources and contacts to help you connect with admissions officers.
Attend college fairs and conferences
Participating in college fairs and conferences, both locally and internationally, can be a great way to meet admissions officers in person. These events provide opportunities to establish initial contact and build relationships. BMI Forums are a great start. Check the BMI website to find local and international events.
Go on social media, local counsellor networks and LinkedIn
Many admissions officers maintain professional profiles on LinkedIn. You can connect with them there or follow the university’s social media channels to stay informed about their activities and contact details. Join your local and regional counsellor network WhatsApp group. The Brazil group currently has 119 members, while the Caribbean and Latin American network is 239-strong.
Reach out to Education USA and the British Council
Education USA is a network of some 400 international student-advising centres across more than 170 countries. Local centres can help counsellors connect with universities and organise visits. The British Council operates Education and Insight Hubs in every continent. These hubs are dedicated to facilitating interactions between UK universities and schools.