Get Ready for Your Upcoming College Tour
College tours are an important step in the college selection process. In today’s modern world, many universities offer online tours of the campus, which is a great option. Virtual tours will give you an initial impression of the campus; however, there’s nothing quite like visiting a college in person. College visitations are often a whirlwind of information, but there are steps you can take to make the most of your experience! Come prepared, get to know the campus, and write down your thoughts as you go.
Ask Questions
College visitations are your chance to get all of your concerns immediately addressed. Normally, if you had a question you would have to do some research online or send an email to get your answers. During an on-campus tour, however, you have a source of information right there providing instantaneous feedback. Be sure to write down all of your questions and concerns ahead of time so you don’t forget to ask anything!
Most often, your guide will be a student who attends that university. They will be a great resource for questions about academics, student life, clubs, and more. Feel free to ask any question you may have – no question is too small or unimportant! If the guide is unable to answer the question themselves, they can at least point you in the right direction or connect you with someone who knows the answer.
Get to Know Student Life
When you are preparing for your college tour, write down a list of places around campus that most interest you. This may include the dining hall, residence halls, gym, theater, or student center. Often your guide will be able to accommodate any specific requests you may have, so don’t be shy!
You can also typically explore a little on your own before or after the official tour. It can be beneficial to wander a bit to get the feel of the campus and talk with regular students about how they like the school. Getting a bystander’s honest opinion can be very insightful.
Pack a Bag
Visiting a college is often a full day of activities. It’s a good idea to pack a small bag with everything you’ll need for the day. Bring your pre-prepared list of questions and a notepad and pencil to take notes. You’ll want to write down all of your thoughts and feelings as they happen so you can better recall your experience later when you go to make your decision. It’s also a good idea to bring a camera (or use your phone) to take pictures of the campus and facilities.
Finally, bring a bottle of water and some snacks. It never hurts to be prepared! You’ll focus on the experience better if you aren’t hungry or thirsty.
Touring a college is an exciting experience but will be much more productive with proper preparation. Be sure to compile your questions and research student life so you’ll have a fun and productive time – whether you ultimately decide to attend that school or not!
For more tips on how to plan, apply and pay for college, visit CFNC.org.