Choosing where to go to college is a big decision. You can attend a technical school that’s close to home or a large four-year university in a different state. Each option has distinct pros and cons that need to be considered.
While you can do a lot of research online, a college tour is one of the best ways to scout out a potential school. Being on campus has a much more distinct feel than taking a virtual tour through motionless hallways and courtyards. A good tour experience can completely change how you feel about a university.
Just like most things in life, college visits can be optimized. There are a few things you can do to prepare for a college tour to make it as enjoyable and productive as possible. Here are a few ideas you can consider:
1. Visit While School is in Session
Planning a college tour during the summer is probably the easiest approach. However, you’re not going to be able to see the true nature of the school when it’s empty. If you visit while classes are ongoing, you can learn a lot more about the college and its student body.
There are a lot of things you can take note of during a busy school day. Are the parking lots full? Do many students participate in the extracurricular activities provided? How big are classes? You wouldn’t be able to grasp how these facts would affect you if you visit during a summer session.
2. Come Prepared With Questions
At least once during a guided college visit you’ll be asked if you have any questions. When put on the spot like that, you might freeze up. In reality, you might have a lot of questions you won’t think of until later. If you don’t come prepared, you might miss out on your opportunity to ask.
Before visiting a college campus, write down a list of questions you have. This could cover everything from tuition numbers and graduation rate to club options and restaurant recommendations. Writing these down in advance helps you remember to ask them as you seek answers during a tour.
You might not realize what questions you have until you start thinking about it. If you go into a college visit unprepared, all of your questions might rush your mind at once. In a limited time frame you might not be able to get them all answered, which can feel disappointing.
3. Talk to a Variety of People
A guided tour is akin to a sales pitch. You’re only going to see the school’s most marketable features. While these are certainly noteworthy, you should be trying to get as many perspectives as possible.
You’ll get a lot of honest information from students currently attending the university you’re touring. They’ll be able to tell you about their homework, how much they’re learning, and if they’re enjoying their overall experience at school.
If you get the opportunity, it will also be very beneficial to talk with a professor. Ask them about the program they’re involved in. If your interest is in engineering, speaking with professors in that field will give you a great idea about what the next years of education would look like for you. It’s also helpful to find a professor you get along with, so you’ll be able to talk to them when you face any challenges.
4. Create Your Own Tour
An official tour is great, but it might skip around some of the smaller details that you’re interested in. Planning time to create your own tour provides the opportunity to check out those places for yourself.
For example, your tour guide might mention the gym and pool area but won’t take you in. After the official tour is over, you can check out that space for yourself. You can go home knowing that the school has an acceptable lap pool and enough treadmills for the student population to share.
This may also be your chance to talk to students and professors you come across. A guided tour doesn’t typically leave time for such interactions. You’ll have to seek these opportunities out on your own time.
5. Venture Off Campus
If you’re committing years of your life to a school, you’ll also be committed to the city it sits in. Your college visit should double as a college town visit. There are a lot of things outside of education that still need to be considered.
Where is the nearest grocery store? Are there good restaurants in town? What sort of things are there available to do outside of classes? You might feel like all of your time is going to be spent in the library, but these aspects of college life are just as important.
Looking a few towns over may also be worthwhile. Your school might sit half an hour away from a major city. A short drive can take you to places like top tier concert venues and professional sports arenas. Few things will better fill your weekends with new friends and roommates.
There’s a lot that goes into selecting a school, but there’s no need to stress. Make time to have fun during your visits and you can reflect on each trip once you’re back home. You’re sure to find the right fit to continue your education by following these tips.