How to Visit Colleges During COVID-19

The summer before senior year is usually a chance for prospective applicants to learn more about colleges through campus visits. This year, things look different. Instead of flying cross country or heading out on a road trip, we’re sticking close to home. This doesn’t mean that we can’t glean valuable information to help us make our all-important college decision! Read on for five ways to learn more about a college when you can’t visit in person. 

1. Virtual tours 

Even if you are able to visit a physical campus this summer, admissions offices are not offering tours for prospective students. While you might be able to see the exteriors of campus buildings, you won’t be able to explore inside. Luckily, many colleges are now offering comprehensive virtual tours on their websites. You can peek inside dorms, classrooms, libraries, cafeterias, athletic facilities, and more from the comfort of your couch! Some schools even offer virtual student tour guides to enhance your experience and answer frequently asked questions. 

Check out the University of Pennsylvania’s tour here: https://admissions.upenn.edu/virtual-tour

2. Videos

Many colleges bolster their online presences through Youtube! Q&A sessions with current students, highlights from orchestra concerts and sports seasons, conversations with faculty, spotlights of distinguished alumni, and more can easily be accessed from your laptop! Some universities are using Youtube to share announcements about their COVID responses and reopening plans for Fall 2020 as well. You can easily find engaging information about specific academic programs that interest you or student groups you might want to get involved in. 

We like this vlog from a student leader in Michigan’s Marching Band! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdLyxHUV2Lo 

3. Use your social networks 

The social networks you already have can be incredibly helpful when you’re seeking to get beyond the promotional materials. Chances are, you have a family member, friend, acquaintance, or alumni connection attending most of the schools you’re interested in.  Wondering what your social life might be like if you go to NYU? Reach out to that girl from your lacrosse team and see if she’d be willing to share her experience. Interested in going to WashU and considering a pre-med track? Ask your cousin what she thinks of her professors. Wondering what the athletic facilities are like at Yeshiva? Text your brother’s friend.  Be gracious and reach out with genuine interest. The worst they can say is no!

We recommend that every prospective student take advantage of these opportunities, pandemic or not.  

4. Network with college representatives

Have more questions about specific academic divisions, extracurricular opportunities, or study abroad programs at Vanderbilt? Reach out to the admissions representative for your region! They may also be able to connect you with current students or professors in your department of interest. In addition to the informational benefits for you, establishing a positive relationship with a college representative through demonstrated interest may have additional perks when it’s time to apply in the fall. The admissions representative from your area will likely be the first person to review your application. They’ll decide whether to bump you along to the next stage, or toss your application aside to join the rejection pile. 

Reaching out to the college representative from your area is so important, we wrote a full guide to it! Access it here: (link to networking during COVID post) 

5. Attend a virtual admissions session 

Most colleges have been able to move their in-person admissions programming online. Virtual admissions sessions offer a solid overview of the application process and a window into college life. Academic programs, dorms and facilities, extracurricular opportunities, and campus life are usually covered. There’s often an opportunity for Q&A as well. These events generally run frequently, so you can pick a time that works with your schedule, and are easy to find through a quick Google search.

Even if you have the basics of George Washington University down, we still recommend signing up for a virtual admissions session as a way to demonstrate interest. Make sure you register for yourself, with the email you plan to link on your application. (No, do not let your mom sign you up!) 

Interested in learning more about NYU? Sign up for their virtual admissions session at this link:  https://connect.nyu.edu/portal/virtual_info

In some ways, coronavirus has leveled the playing field. Since nobody has access to a physical campus visit, colleges have been forced to shift their programming online. Now anyone with a wifi connection can hop on a virtual information session! Even though you can’t visit colleges in the way you hoped this summer, take advantage of these opportunities to deepen your understanding of the college process and craft your college list! 

Reach out to Morris here if you’d like to talk about our college guidance programming!