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College Visit Worksheet: The 5 C’s

Use this worksheet to analyze and reflect on how well different colleges align with your personal and academic goals. Consider each of the 5 C’s — Curriculum, Campus Culture, Community, Cost and Career — when evaluating potential schools. Take notes and rate up to three colleges below, then compare the totals.

The Colleges You Are Visiting

Name up to three. Each one keeps its number in every section below.

1. Curriculum

How does the college align with your academic and co-curricular interests?

  • What majors and academic programs interest you at this college?
  • Are there research opportunities, internships, or cooperative education programs available?
  • What academic support services (e.g., tutoring, writing centers, study groups) does the school provide?
  • How flexible is the curriculum (e.g., double majors, minors, general education requirements)?

College 1

How well it fits you, 1 (poorly) to 5 (very well)

College 2

How well it fits you, 1 (poorly) to 5 (very well)

College 3

How well it fits you, 1 (poorly) to 5 (very well)

2. Campus Culture

What is the student experience like on this campus?

  • What are the average class sizes? Do they support your preferred learning style?
  • What extracurricular activities and student organizations interest you?
  • Does the college have a particular religious affiliation or focus?
  • Are there opportunities for leadership development and student engagement?
  • Are student clubs selective or open to everyone?
  • Does the college’s social environment match your personality and values?

College 1

How well it fits you, 1 (poorly) to 5 (very well)

College 2

How well it fits you, 1 (poorly) to 5 (very well)

College 3

How well it fits you, 1 (poorly) to 5 (very well)

3. Community

How does the college environment support student relationships and involvement?

  • What are the relationships like between students and faculty? Are professors accessible?
  • What kind of student diversity exists on campus?
  • What are the options for on-campus and off-campus housing? Is housing guaranteed for all four years?
  • Do students typically stay on campus over the weekend?
  • What is the surrounding community like? What opportunities are available off-campus (internships, cultural activities, entertainment)?
  • How does the college engage with the local community?

College 1

How well it fits you, 1 (poorly) to 5 (very well)

College 2

How well it fits you, 1 (poorly) to 5 (very well)

College 3

How well it fits you, 1 (poorly) to 5 (very well)

4. Cost

Is this college financially feasible for your family?

  • What is the total cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room, board, books, personal expenses)?
  • What financial aid options (scholarships, grants, work-study, loans) are available?
  • What is the college’s average student debt upon graduation?
  • Does the college offer merit-based or need-based financial aid?

College 1

How well it fits you, 1 (poorly) to 5 (very well)

College 2

How well it fits you, 1 (poorly) to 5 (very well)

College 3

How well it fits you, 1 (poorly) to 5 (very well)

5. Career

How will this college prepare you for your future career?

  • What career services (resume help, interview prep, career fairs) does the college provide?
  • What are the employment rates and average salaries of graduates?
  • Does the college have strong alumni networks and mentorship opportunities?
  • Are there opportunities for internships, co-ops, or study-abroad programs related to your career interests?

College 1

How well it fits you, 1 (poorly) to 5 (very well)

College 2

How well it fits you, 1 (poorly) to 5 (very well)

College 3

How well it fits you, 1 (poorly) to 5 (very well)

Compare Your Colleges

Each college's ratings added up, out of 25. A total is a starting point for a conversation, not a verdict: a college that scores lower on paper may still be the one that felt right, and your notes will say why.

  • College 1 / 25
  • College 2 / 25
  • College 3 / 25

Your notes and ratings last until you close this page. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.

To take it with you, print this page: blank, with lines to write on, or with your notes and ratings.

Planning the Rest of Your College Search

A visit is one step in choosing where to apply. An Elite Prep counselor can help you build a balanced college list and plan each application.

Talk to a college counselorSee the college roadmap by grade

Download the blank worksheet as a printable PDF