Your Beauty School Open House: The Ultimate Guide to Making the Most of Your Campus Visit

Choosing the right beauty school is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your future career in the beauty industry. Just like any other college, visiting the school and taking a tour of the facility is the best way to get a good feel of what it will truly be like. Attending these events is one of the best ways to get a feel for a school’s culture, academics, and community. Beauty school open houses provide an invaluable opportunity to explore campuses, meet instructors, observe students in action, and ask crucial questions that will help you make an informed decision about your education.

What to Expect During Your Beauty School Open House

You will first be meeting with our Career Planning Specialist or Director. This is your time to understand how our programs run along with the basic schedule/curriculum layout. Here’s a breakdown of what your visit might include: See our classrooms, salon floor, skincare labs, and student lounges. Notice the vibe—is it welcoming, organized, inspiring?

You will be able to observe our students in the classroom as their educators discuss concepts and theories. We will also have students practicing their skills on mannequins. Our senior-level students are located on the salon floor working on actual clients. You’ll have the chance to explore our campus and observe students and educators in action. This is an important part of the tour because you’ll be able to observe the school culture and see if it’s a good fit for you.

Most beauty school open houses will include presentations about program offerings, curriculum details, financial aid options, and career services. During your tour, you can expect: An introduction to the school: We will introduce you to our school and provide insights into our history and programs and what makes us different. You’ll also have opportunities to meet current students and faculty members who can provide firsthand insights into the educational experience.

Preparing for Your Beauty School Visit

A little preparation can go a long way in helping you get the most from your visit. Here’s what to do before your tour: Contact our admissions office to set up a personal tour. This ensures someone is available to guide you and provide one-on-one attention.

I would recommend that you write down on a piece of paper all of your questions or concerns so you that you don’t forget to ask them, especially if you are deciding between a couple of schools. Smartphone or Camera: Snap a few photos of the campus and salon space. Your Questions List: Come ready to ask what’s on your mind. ID & Contact Info: You may need these if you decide to start the application process on-site. A Support Buddy: Bring a friend, parent, or partner. A second set of eyes and ears can help you process what you learn.

Empire does have a dress code policy while attending beauty school but for your first visit you may wear whatever you like. Making yourself look presentable always makes for a good impression. You may be walking through classrooms and salon areas, so wear supportive shoes and comfy clothes.

Essential Questions to Ask During Your Campus Visit

Program and Curriculum Questions

One of the first things you’ll want to ask is “how does your curriculum go beyond the State requirements?” Yes, there are minimum requirements needed to practice in every State. But you want a program that is going to prepare you beyond that. The program you choose should be keeping up with the latest trends and developments in the beauty industry.

Different beauty schools provide different programs. Generally speaking, beauty schools may offer programs in cosmetology and esthetics. At JD Academy Salon + Spa, we offer courses in both those areas so you can feel confident in the area of your choosing. Ask about specific courses included in your program of interest and whether the school offers specialized training in areas like advanced skincare techniques, color theory, or business management.

Accreditation and Licensing Preparation

It’s extremely important to find out whether or not the school is accredited before you enroll. Accredited schools meet national education standards, while a non-accredited school may or may not do so. Beauty schools don’t have to be accredited, but accredited schools are usually your better option. This is because accredited beauty schools typically offer a better education and open up more cosmetology job opportunities to students after graduation.

Understanding how each school prepares its students for licensure exams is paramount, so be sure to inquire about the exam preparation strategies employed by cosmetology institutions. An important question to ask is how the school prepares students for the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Exam. Do they make sure you will know everything that will be included in the exam? Ask them respective beauty schools for their Licensure Rate to compare success rates.

Financial Aid and Costs

Investigating the availability of financial assistance options can make pursuing your cosmetology education more feasible, so be sure to ask about financial aid opportunities at each school. Most beauty schools and junior colleges offer financial aid, including grants and loans, which can help you pay for the cost of cosmetology training.

The cost of a beauty education is often a key determining factor when choosing a school. Thankfully, many esthetics schools will offer some type of financial aid assistance or program. But you should be sure to ask for further details while on your tour.

Career Services and Job Placement

Ensuring that your investment in cosmetology education leads to meaningful employment requires asking about job placement rates and available career services at each prospective school. The biggest challenge after graduating beauty school is finding job opportunities and putting your cosmetology license to good use. Some schools offer career services or can help students find a job after graduation. Job placement rate is a statistic that colleges, vocational schools, and junior colleges are required to post on their website or provide accurate information to students. The job placement rate is the percentage of students finding work in their field of study after graduation. This represents the number of graduates that find meaningful work after completing cosmetology training.

Schedule and Class Structure

As you tour the beauty school, be sure to ask if they offer full-time, part-time, or evening and weekend classes to fit your schedule. Typically, evening courses are shorter, so it may take you longer to complete your training. Depending on the required classes and state laws, different beauty schools may take differing amounts of time to complete. Ask before enrolling to ensure you can keep up with the schedule and that the time period suits you. If you want to speed up the process by taking extra courses, or slow down due to other obligations, be sure to mention this as well. See if the school will work around what you need.

Making Your Decision

Pay attention to the overall atmosphere and culture of the beauty school. Assess whether it feels welcoming, supportive, and conducive to learning. Consider how the students and faculty interact with one another, as this can indicate a sense of community and help you know if it’s a right fit.

After your tour, take some time to think. Jot down what stood out to you. Another tip is to make a list of any questions you can think of while on your tour and write out the answers as you ask. You can then refer back to this information as you consider which school you want to apply for.

If you’re considering pursuing your beauty education in the Northern Virginia area, Beauty School Fairfax County, VA offers comprehensive programs in esthetics, cosmetology, and related fields. Located right here in Tysons Corner, Fairfax County, we’ve been transforming beauty enthusiasts into skilled professionals for years. Your journey to success starts at AVI Career Training. Our cosmetology school’s educational approach seamlessly combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience, ensuring you grasp the latest techniques and technologies. From mastering the art of microdermabrasion to chemical peels and advanced facial treatments, our goal is to equip you with both practical skills and the essential theoretical knowledge needed to thrive in your chosen profession.

Remember that choosing the right beauty school is an investment in your future career. As you get ready for your beauty school tour, remember that this is your opportunity to envision yourself as a student, get to know the school, and explore the curriculum. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and gather all the information you need to make an informed decision. Take advantage of open house events to thoroughly evaluate each school’s offerings, culture, and commitment to student success. Your beauty career starts with making the right educational choice, and a well-planned campus visit will help ensure you select the school that best aligns with your goals and aspirations.