College tours are one of the most overlooked components of the application process. People typically pick schools via referrals, websites and brochures and never set foot on campus until after a deposit is made. That should NEVER be the case, but many times it is.
Three weeks ago, I had the pleasure of taking a college tour with 19 school counselors. We visited six schools in Central Pennsylvania over a 3 day period. We even stayed overnight in a dorm…lovely right?
I couldn’t wait to share my observations and experiences with you! Over the next few months, I will do just that.
So what are some of the things that you should look for on YOUR college visits? Well here it goes:
Best time to visit: The best time to visit is during an open house or personal tour in the fall or spring. Whether it’s the fall, spring or summer, just make the decision to go!
Advantages of a school year visit:
- You are able to grasp a true vibe of the campus. This is something that can’t be captured in a brochure.
- You will be able to see what types of students attend the school, special activities, or events specific to that location.
- You may be able to sit in a class or taste the food in the cafeteria.
Advantages of a summer visit:
- There are only summer session students and children in summer programs so the campus is empty and quiet. This will allow you to get a clear visual of the campus.
- You can go on the tour with an experienced guide that can provide more individualized attention.
- The admissions office is a bit more relaxed and you will get more personalized time with the admission’s officer.
- You may be able to make a mini-vacation, and visit a few colleges in the area.
Majors: Determine if the school either has a major that your student is considering or something very close. If your student has no clue what they want to major in (the #1 college major is “undecided”), determine either their favorite subject or what size setting they would feel comfortable. Note: Ask the guide if your major can be personalized.
Size: Do you want a small school with the population of a standard high school (let’s say 1,200 to 1,800 students) or a school with over 45,000 students? Note: ask about class sizes for freshmen vs upperclassmen.
- With the smaller school, you will get to know or see everyone multiple times a week. Your professor knows everyone’s name and it may be easier to get an appointment.
- With the larger school, there will be some people who you will never see…EVER! There can be hundreds of students in a freshman class. It may not be as easy easy asking questions or accessing your professor since there are so many students.
Location: Do you want to be in the city or a rural area in the middle of nowhere? Note: If you choose a rural school, a strong student activities schedule is essential. If the school does a great job of planning activities on campus, there will be little need to go off campus to find some excitement.
- Town/Area: The campus may tend to take on the personality or culture of the surrounding area. Make sure that you check out the residential area and visit some of the restaurants, shops and other venues that make the town what it is.
- Aesthetics: The way that the school looks will either impress or bother you. What do the buildings look like–are they traditional, 1800s, cinderblock or Euro-Modern? Has the school kept up with the times and modernized the campus, particularly inside the buildings?
- Mobility: Some campuses are compact in one area or may split into several campuses or parts. How do you get around campus? What type of transportation do you use outside of campus? Do you need a car to get around? Will you need to take public transportation? Note: Most campuses do not allow freshmen to have cars.
Food: Check out the cafeteria and taste the food. What is the layout of the cafeteria and how many stations/food options are available? What kinds of cereal are available (yes, this is important). Is there only one cafeteria, or are there many eating options on campus? What
time do they stop serving food on campus? Note: Schools put out some of their best spreads during open houses.
Dorms: Is your dorm a traditional room where you share a room with 1 or 2 people? Are the dorms suit-style? Suits are set up similar to a 4 bedroom apartment. Is the shower/bathroom shared by a few roommates or the entire dorm floor? Is there air conditioning? Note: Tours will show you the most modern rooms (and usually more expensive). Ask if all of the rooms look like the model. Also, most schools do not allow freshman to live off campus unless they are a commuter or are staying with a nearby relative.
Hospitality: How are you treated by the admissions staff? Are they friendly or snobby? Do they rush you, or provide you with plenty of time for questions? Note: Receiving free school gear or a waived application fee is always a plus. Have no shame in asking for the waived fee.
Tour Guide: This person can make or break your trip. Do they have a great personality? Are they knowledgeable? How involved are they in campus activities? Do they give you honest tidbits of things to do or avoid? Note: Ask your guide about any special traditions or fun facts.
Feeling in your gut: Is the environment a small-town, upscale, fast-paced, or laid-back? When you walk on campus, do you feel like you fit there? Note: You will know within the first 10-15 minutes.
Want to see pics from my visits? Check the links below to my FB fan page for the goods:
Take some time to review the links below that are full of wonderful advice in regards to campus visits. Dig in!
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