College Tours 101: A Guide for Juniors
Congratulations on starting the college process! Some of you may have read Meghan’s blog already and are thinking about #6, which is to visit some colleges. With February recess and spring break around the corner, this is the perfect time to start exploring different colleges to get a feel for what you like and don’t like. Here are some tips to get you started!
*If you are not able to visit colleges on your own, skip to #5!
1) Have some range of schools on your list - From large research universities to small liberal arts colleges, urban to suburban, start broadly to narrow down your preferences once you have visited different campuses. If you already have a specific academic interest (Engineering or Fine Arts, for example), include some schools with strengths in those areas.
2) Stick to 2 a day – If you are attending an information session and tour, plan about 2 hours for each visit. If you’re doing two tours, chances are you will be tired (and hungry) so give yourself time to grab a bite and explore around campus. You’re also going to be listening to a lot of information and adding a 3rd or 4th school will star to blur your memory of each, which brings me to my next point…
3) Take notes! By notes I don’t mean you spending the entire information session writing verbatim all the stats about acceptance rates or the student-to-faculty ratio but rather jotting down some gut feelings or initial impressions of each school. Did you love or hate the tour? Why? What stood out to you the most? Do you have a sense of the campus culture? Is there a class or activity you’re most excited about? These quick notes can often serve another purpose down the road if you apply to a school that you visited and need inspiration to answer the most common supplement question: “Why [insert college name]?”
4) Explore campus on your own – If you have time after your official visit, take a moment to wander around campus, visit that building or department you wished the tour guide spent more time on, eat in the dining hall and, if you’re feeling extra courageous, ask a random student how they like their school. Sometimes these “unofficial” moments are just as informative as your scheduled time on campus.
5) Can’t visit? Make the Internet your BFF! Much like my point #1, start broad with your online search and then narrow down tailoring to your specific interests. There are many helpful websites, from the College Board to College Greenlight. Finally, take note of any virtual tours schools may offer, likes ours here.
College visits can be long but also an exciting opportunity to explore a new city or part of town. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, bring a snack and, most importantly, an open mind!