Is it worth doing college tours?

Yes, embarking on college tours is highly beneficial for prospective students. It provides an opportunity to explore academic and personal preferences, campus culture, and the overall environment, helping students make informed decisions about their future alma mater.

What year should you start touring colleges?

Starting college tours early in your high school career, particularly during your sophomore or junior year, is advantageous. This allows ample time to explore various colleges and universities, ensuring a well-informed choice.

Do colleges do campus tours in summer?

Yes, many colleges offer campus tours during the summer. This period is an excellent time for prospective students to visit campuses. However, it's advised to check with each college's admission office for specific schedules and events.

Crafting the Perfect College Road Trip: A College Counselor's Guide to Campus Exploration

College CounselingPostsecondary Success

Jan 16

Written By Lynne Fuller

Embarking on a week-long road trip to visit colleges can be an exciting and enlightening experience for prospective students. As a college counselor, I understand the importance of making the most out of these visits as your plan for college tours in 2024. In this guide, I'll share valuable insights on how to optimize your campus exploration, helping you focus on what truly matters during your college road trip.

First - Start By Planning Your Route

The first step in planning a successful college road trip is to carefully select the colleges you want to visit. Consider your academic and personal preferences, campus culture, and location. Create a balanced list that includes reach schools, target schools, and safety schools to ensure a diverse range of options.

Once you have your list, plan a logical route to minimize travel time and expenses. Group colleges geographically to create a cohesive and efficient itinerary. Keep in mind that some colleges may have specific visitation days or events, so check their admission office websites for information on tours and information sessions, for example most do not have tours on Sundays, so use that as the day to embark on travel and conclude visits by Saturday morning.

Maximizing Your Time on Campus

Visiting a college campus is more than just walking around and taking in the sights. To make the most of your time, schedule guided tours, information sessions, and interviews with admissions officers whenever possible. This will give you a comprehensive overview of the academic programs, campus facilities, and admission requirements.

Take notes during tours and information sessions, and don't hesitate to ask questions. We ask our students to take notes in Google Keep. It is an easy app to download where you can take notes on the school, add pictures or video, and answer questions like:

Campus Vibe (activities, clubs, after hours)
Campus Size (walkability)
Housing
Food options (don’t forget to eat there!)
Semester system (quarter, semester, trimester)
Surrounding area (how close are you to a pharmacy, food store, and necessities)
Tour guide name, major, activities, did you receive their contact information
Pros and Cons

It is also important to engage with current students to gain insights into campus life and ask about their experiences. Consider attending classes or sitting in on campus events to get a feel for the academic and social atmosphere.

Focus on What Matters

When exploring campuses, it's easy to get caught up in the aesthetics of the buildings or the allure of the surrounding area. While these factors contribute to the overall college experience, it's crucial to stay focused on what truly matters to you. Consider the following aspects during your visit:

Academic Programs: Evaluate the strength and variety of the programs that interest you. Speak with professors and students in your desired major to gain a deeper understanding of the academic environment.
Campus Culture: Observe the atmosphere on campus and interact with students. Pay attention to the social scene, extracurricular activities, and clubs to determine if the campus culture aligns with your interests and values. We always pay attention to who is talking and who is solely on their phone!
Facilities and Resources: Take note of the libraries, laboratories, and recreational facilities available to students. Consider whether the campus provides the resources you need for academic and personal growth.
Support Services: Inquire about support services such as academic advising, career counseling, and mental health resources. A strong support system is crucial for a successful college experience.

What to Get Out of Your College Visits

By the end of your road trip, you should have a clearer understanding of each college on your list. Reflect on the following to make informed decisions:

Personal Fit: Consider how well you can envision yourself as a part of the campus community. Does the college align with your values, interests, and goals?
Academic Match: Evaluate the strength of the academic programs and whether they meet your expectations. Are there unique opportunities or resources that stand out?
Feeling of Connection: Pay attention to your gut feeling. Did you feel a sense of connection or excitement while on campus? Trust your instincts, your gut is telling you so please listen!

A well-planned college road trip can be a transformative experience, helping you narrow down your college choices and make informed decisions about your future. By focusing on what matters, engaging with the campus community, and reflecting on your experiences, you'll be better equipped to choose the college that aligns with your academic and personal aspirations. Safe travels on your journey!