College visits are an important part of the recruiting process. During a college visit, you can gain a lot of insight into the college, athletics program, and facilities that a school has to offer. Some visits take place after one is committed and some take place before.

What is the difference between an official and unofficial visit?

• An official visit is a visit that is paid for by the university or school. All of your housing, food, and other necessities are covered. 
• An unofficial visit, on the other hand, means that the recruit and his or her family will have to provide the funding for the visit. 

Both types of visits can be beneficial. The only real difference between the two is the financial compensation. September 1 of the athlete's junior year is when they can start taking official visits. This also marks the time when the athlete can communicate with their college coaches in all manners/methods.

Should I take a visit before committing?

This all depends on the athlete and how confident you are in the coaching staff. Taking a visit before committing is a great idea. However, I have played baseball at two Power 5 programs and I committed to the program both times before I visited. For me, it wasn't about the college atmosphere or the visit experience. It was more about the coaching staff (which I already knew) and their ability to develop my talent. If you haven't been on campus before, visits can provide a great view of the university's athletic facilities, resources, and atmosphere. If you can't see yourself playing for the university after your visit, make more visits to other colleges.

My recruiting process

I fielded several offers and interest from schools all over the country. I ended up committing to Texas A&M University in the summer after my sophomore year of high school. Prior to committing, I had attended several prospect camps at the university and communicated with the coaches extensively. I loved the university and the baseball program. Therefore, I didn't feel it was necessary to take a visit before committing. After my first year at Texas A&M, I decided to transfer. Once again, I fielded a variety of interest from colleges. However, I ended up committing to the University of Nebraska. I also didn't attend a visit before committing to this school even though I was offered one. I had known the coaching staff for quite some time (as they were former Texas A&M coaches) and I had researched the university extensively. 

The college visit process (baseball specifically)

College visits are an exciting time in the recruiting process. If you are visiting a Division I school with good funding and a football team, this is what your visit might look like:

• The college visits usually begin on Friday night with dinner at a local restaurant. The coaches, your host (a current player), and your family will all go and enjoy a nice meal. You will then part ways for the night. 
• On Saturday morning, the coaching staff and your host will show you around the facilities including the weight room, athlete dining hall, and locker room. Players will get an in-depth look into the reality of being a baseball player for that respective university. 
• After the tour, you will get to attend a football game. Your host will bring you onto the football field for an up-close look at college game day. You will get a VIP pass and have reserved seating in the stadium. 
• After the football game, recruits will be taken by their hosts to experience some of the social life that is part of the university. This might be hanging out at one of the player's houses or going to eat at one of the local favorites in town. Ultimately, it is up to the host to show the recruit a good time. 
• The recruit will be returned to his hotel by midnight. Finally, on Sunday, the recruit will wake up and go to breakfast with his family and the coaching staff. This is the final step in the process and concludes the weekend.

College visits are a fun and exciting time. Hopefully, this article gave you some insight into the process and how to prepare for your recruiting adventure!