articles details

Scheduling a college tour is an important step in the college selection process. Visiting campuses in person can provide you with a better sense of the school's environment, facilities, and overall atmosphere. Seeing the campus firsthand helps you understand whether it's a good fit for you academically, socially, and geographically. Whether you're looking for a large university in a bustling city or a small liberal arts college in a more rural area, a college tour can offer valuable insights.
Here’s a guide to help you schedule and prepare for a college tour.

1. Research Colleges You’re Interested In

Before you schedule any tours, make sure you have a list of colleges you’re interested in visiting. Narrow down your options based on your academic interests, extracurricular activities, location preferences, and financial considerations. Once you have a list of schools, look at each college’s website to check for tour availability and details about their visit options.

Keep in mind that many colleges have multiple campus tours to choose from, including general information sessions, specialized tours (such as for specific departments), or virtual tours. Consider what you want to get out of the visit, and whether a standard tour or a department-specific tour will be more beneficial for your interests.

2. Check College Websites for Tour Information

Most colleges have dedicated pages for prospective student visits, where you can find detailed information about tour scheduling. These pages typically include:

• Tour dates and times: Check availability for in-person or virtual tours and choose a date that works for you. Many colleges allow tours during weekdays, and some may offer weekend options.
• Registration process: Some schools require you to register for a tour in advance, especially during peak visitation periods (such as fall or spring). You’ll often find an online form or registration portal where you can select the tour time, provide personal details, and sometimes even submit questions ahead of time.
• Tour type: Determine whether the school offers general tours or more specialized ones based on your interests, such as tours of specific academic programs or extracurricular activities.

3. Schedule the Tour Online or Over the Phone

Once you’ve found the tour information on the college’s website, follow the instructions to schedule your tour. Most colleges have online registration systems, where you can pick the date and time of your visit, along with any special requests you may have. If you have trouble finding the registration link or have specific questions, many schools have admissions office contact details listed, and you can call or email them directly to inquire about tour options and availability.

For virtual tours, the process may involve registering for an online session. These virtual options often provide a live walkthrough or a pre-recorded video, giving you an overview of campus life, academics, and other key features.

4. Check for Special Visit Events

Many colleges offer additional events in conjunction with campus tours, such as:

• Information sessions: These sessions often follow or precede the tour and provide in-depth details about the college’s academic programs, admissions process, and campus culture.
• Open houses: Some colleges host open houses where prospective students can tour the campus, meet faculty and students, attend presentations, and learn more about the school’s offerings.
• Departmental visits: If you’re interested in a specific academic program, consider scheduling a visit with that department. Some colleges offer specialized tours or opportunities to meet with faculty members in certain fields, such as engineering, business, or the arts.

Look for special visit days for prospective students or events designed for high school seniors or juniors. These may offer more personalized experiences or opportunities to learn about the programs you’re most interested in.

5. Confirm Your Visit and Prepare

Once your tour is scheduled, make sure to confirm your reservation, especially if you registered weeks in advance. Some colleges will send a confirmation email with tour details, parking instructions, and other useful information. If there are any last-minute changes or cancellations, you’ll be notified ahead of time.

Preparing for your visit will make your tour more productive. Here are a few things to consider:

• Research the school: Before the tour, read up on the college’s programs, campus culture, admissions process, and any other details that interest you. This will help you ask more informed questions during the tour and make your visit more meaningful.
• Prepare questions: Think about what’s most important to you in a college. Are you concerned about housing, dining options, extracurricular activities, or academic support? Jot down questions you’d like to ask the tour guide or admissions staff during your visit.
• Dress comfortably: You’ll likely be walking around the campus, so wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. If the tour involves visiting dorms or facilities, you may want to be prepared for indoor or outdoor conditions.

6. Visit Multiple Campuses if Possible

If possible, try to visit multiple colleges to get a sense of the variety of campuses and environments out there. Touring different colleges can help you compare and contrast each school’s offerings and atmospheres. Consider visiting a range of schools from safety schools to reach schools to match schools. Doing so will allow you to understand the differences and similarities between them and better evaluate which ones fit your needs and preferences.

7. Take Notes and Reflect on Your Experience

As you tour each campus, take notes about what you like and don’t like. Pay attention to aspects such as:

• Campus facilities: Are the classrooms, libraries, dining areas, and recreational facilities well-maintained and up-to-date?
• Student life: What is the general vibe of the campus? Are students actively engaged in campus life, or does the campus feel quiet and isolated?
• Support services: Are there clear resources for academic, emotional, or career support? Is the campus welcoming for all students?

After the tour, take some time to reflect on your experience. How did the campus feel? Did you imagine yourself there? Compare your impressions of each school and think about which environment would help you thrive both academically and socially.