The College Tour: What You Should Know
College visits are an essential (and fun!) part of the college application journey. Attending information sessions and touring schools really gives the prospective student a chance to envision what their college life would look like at different universities.
But how can you make the most of each college tour? Let’s talk about it!
1. Plan Ahead
Make sure you plan, far in advance, which tours you want to take and when. This includes:
Prioritizing which schools are most important to see in person
Officially registering for a tour through the school’s admissions department
Budgeting out how much money you can put towards traveling to different schools.
Many students start touring schools as early as their sophomore year; it’s helpful to get a sense of whether you like a school or not ahead of time. The sooner you can solidify your college list, the better!
2. Do Your Research
Go through the college’s website, social media, and admissions brochures beforehand to get a sense of what that school uniquely has to offer, both academically and extracurricularly.
Is there a major that is particularly interesting to you? A study abroad opportunity? A student organization you’d want to be involved in?
Use this research to prepare specific questions that you can ask during the information session and tour.
3. Make Contact
In addition to asking thoughtful questions, connecting with an admissions representative one-on-one is a great way to further demonstrate interest in the school.
Approach the admissions advisor leading your info session or drop into the admissions office after your tour to ask further questions. Send a follow-up email thanking them for their time to really seal the deal!
Also, while on your tour, be sure to use transition moments as opportunities to talk to your student tour guide and get a student’s perspective on campus life.
4. Location Matters
Make sure you use this opportunity to check out the area surrounding the university. Ask yourself:
Is this campus too rural for me? Too urban? Or just right?
Do I feel safe walking around here at night?
Are there fun shops and restaurants accessible to campus?
Is there a good public transportation system or would I need a car?
It is very important to consider these questions while formulating your college list!
5. Step Into a Student’s Shoes
Many colleges give prospective students the option to sit in on a class or shadow a current student. Not only is this a great opportunity to further envision yourself as a student; it’s a chance to connect with a cool professor, or get a sense of the types of classes you would want to take.
Attending a college sports event, concert, or performance is also a great way to immerse yourself in student life.
6. Take Notes
Especially if you are touring many schools, it is essential to take notes on what you specifically liked and disliked about each university’s campus life and academic offerings.
Not only will this keep schools from blending together in your mind; you will be able to use this specific information to bolster your application, especially when a school asks: “Why do you want to attend this university?”
Get Pumped!
Touring schools is fun! College visits are one of the first steps on your path to the once-in-a-lifetime experience of attending a school that you love.
Planning and organizing tours (and keeping track of all the helpful information you learn) can get real complicated real fast. Revolution’s college counselors are here to help: schedule a free consultation today!