What is a College Tour?

As the name implies, this is a special event where students and their families have the opportunity to be escorted on a college or university campus. This gives them the chance to see what the physical campus looks like, the facilities, various departments, as well as the makeup of students attending. Tour guides will provide in depth information about the school, its history, academic highlights and some of the perks of being a student there.

Benefits of College Tours

Although it is convenient to use the Internet to search for colleges and universities to apply to, nothing compares to seeing a college campus with your own eyes. While virtual tours and photo galleries give students a glimpse into campus life, being physically present is the best way to find out whether a particular school would be the right fit or not. Aside from having the benefit of seeing the school in person, taking college tours is also a great way to whittle down your list of potential schools to apply to. Make notes of what you liked and did not like about each campus you visited and narrow down your choices from there.

What To Do During College Tours

Students should make the most of their time during college tours to get any and all questions answered. Don’t take such a trip lightly, either–remember, you’re not a tourist. Instead of taking pictures and simply listening to what the tour guide is saying, get involved and take action to find out what you need to know in order to help you with your decision. For example, find out if it’s possible to sit in on a class in a major that you’re interested in pursuing to see what the classroom environment and instruction is like. If you’re an athlete, find a coach to talk to in the sports department to learn more about their programs and what they have to offer. Check out the dorm rooms, cafeteria and student center to see what life could be like as a student there.

It also doesn’t hurt to try and make an appointment with an admissions counselor to get the real scoop on the ins and outs of the admissions process. This is also an ideal time for your parents to get their questions answered or address any specific concerns. Never expect your tour guide to know all the answers. Instead seek it out yourself from the right sources for the most accurate and up to date information.

In addition to exploring things on campus, it doesn’t hurt to go off campus after the college tour, either. Because you’ll be eating, sleeping, living and breathing campus life during your college years, it helps to learn what the community surrounding the school is like. Find out where the popular hang out spots are for students, what restaurant choices are nearby, as well as what banks, grocery stores and other businesses are accessible.

Arrange for as many college tours as possible and take advantage of such opportunities to help you envision whether a particular campus would be the perfect fit for you or not.

Related posts:

1. Touring the UC Campus System
2. Choosing Online Courses for Career Growth
3. Choosing a college minor