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It’s never too early for high school students to start checking out colleges on their list of potential schools. A campus tour is not only a great way for students to find places they love, but also to cross off those on their list that may not be the right fit. A college may look great in a brochure or say all the right things on its website, but the true test of fit often comes from a personal visit. Of course, several things can make or break a college tour. For example, students who visit during the summer or over breaks may not have the same experience as those who attend information sessions and tours during the fall or spring semesters. To ensure students have a successful college tour, I suggest the following tips.
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1. Explore Online
Before students head to any campus, it’s a good idea to do a little reconnaissance. Students should check the college’s website to verify the school offers the degree programs they may be interested in, as well as study abroad or research opportunities (if desired). Students may want to browse the student activities page and see what clubs, organizations and groups may be present on campus, as well. It’s not a bad idea to check if any events (sporting, concert, etc.) will be held during the tour date, as there could be issues with parking or areas of the campus that are inaccessible at that time. Students should definitely familiarize themselves with the admissions and financial aid pages, too. After carefully reviewing the college’s website, students should write down any questions they might have and bring these with them during the tour.
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2. Make Appointments
Although some schools may have informal, walk-in tours available, most of the larger schools will require an appointment for students to participate in an admissions session and/or campus tour. This means students will need to go online or call weeks (or even months) in advance to secure their spot. Depending on the time of year, some schools may even limit the number of high school underclassmen allowed, saving those precious spaces for graduating seniors who will be attending next fall. Seniors should not only participate in an admissions session and tour, but also consider scheduling an interview with an admissions counselor, and possibly meeting with the department chairs or professors within their chosen degree field. Juniors, who tour during the spring or summer before senior year, should also consider going through the interview process.
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3. Roam Freely
Campus tours are a great way to get a feel for a school, but students should remember that tours are geared to show them the best the college has to offer. To see what a college may be like on an average day, students should opt to roam on their own for a few hours before or after their tour. It’s a good idea for them to have a meal at the cafeteria (they’ll be eating there quite a lot, if accepted), sit in on a class (big and small), or chat up some students that are hanging out on campus. If possible, students should also spend some time exploring the surrounding community, or consider participating in an overnight stay, to see if it the college is a good match.
It’s helpful if students bring along a campus scorecard to keep track of things they like (or dislike) during their tours, as campuses can start to blend together after a few visits. Students should pay attention to various things, such as dorm room sizes and options, typical class size, how many students stay after their first year and how many graduate on time, as well as other things that may play a role in their decision to apply. Once students have narrowed their lists, sent in their college applications, and received their acceptance letters, a second trip may be needed to help them make a final decision. A picture may speak a thousand words, but a campus visit is the best way for students to see themselves in that picture.
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