College Tours
The best way to get more information about college life and academics is to explore college campuses. If you don't have time or the means to visit college or university campuses, visit them virtually instead!
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Start Planning Early
The College Board recommends that students visit college campuses before their senior year. An excellent time to visit campuses would be during spring (particularly during spring break). Late summer and early fall before senior year are also convenient times as classes may be in session, which will allow you to get a glimpse of campus life.
You'll be more likely to feel like a college student once you're walking around the campus, possibly even being able to sit in on a class and visit the dorms, either in person or virtually!
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Establish a budget for college visits
Trying to plan extended road trips to a long list of schools can be expensive, especially if a student is interested in colleges far away from home. One way to reduce costs is to visit the schools you are more likely to attend. Some colleges and universities even offer "fly-in" programs where housing and meals are provided to prospective students, so make sure to check out their options before visiting.
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Check out other campuses nearby.
When visiting a college in person, prospective students should consider visiting other campuses nearby. Many major city areas are home to multiple colleges, and even rural areas may have colleges nearby. As you plan your college visits, be sure to note other options near the schools you intend to visit.
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Learn about the community.
While the college is the main attraction, students shouldn't overlook the surrounding community where they may live and work off-campus. Find opportunities to engage and investigate the city around your college. Consider if you want a more urban or rural experience, or even the size of the city you would prefer.
Explore various virtual tour options.
Sometimes colleges may be too far from home for students to make the first visit. However, there are online websites that allow prospective students to take virtual tours from the comfort of their homes.
Visit our Virtual College Tours page for free websites that offer virtually guided or self-guided tours!
Use this checklist for campus visits, created by the College Board.
Get Answers to All Your Questions
A visit also gives you the chance to talk to students, faculty, financial aid, and admission officers; and, you can take the time to ask questions.
Questions About Academics
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What are the average class sizes and the student-to-faculty ratio?
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Are most classes taught by professors or by teaching assistants?
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How many classes do students take a semester?
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Are classes more theoretical or hands-on?
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How easy is it to switch majors or schools within the university?
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What percentage of students choose to study abroad?
Questions About Academic Support
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What tutoring services are available?
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How often do students meet with academic advisers?
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Questions About Financial Aid
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How do outside scholarships affect a financial aid package?
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Do accepted students receive their financial aid award letter at the same time as their offer of admission or later?
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How much financial need does the college typically meet?
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How much extra money should I budget for costs beyond room, board and tuition?
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Questions About Student Life
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What are the demographics of the current freshman class?
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Would you consider the campus to be diverse?
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How many students are commuters, and how many are campus residents?
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What kinds of recreational activities are available for students to engage in?
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How does the school build community and foster cultural understanding?
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What are some of the school's main events or traditions?
Questions About Campus Housing and Community
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Are students required to live on campus?
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What kind of campus meal plans are offered?
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How is the food, and what are the options?
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Is there plenty of dorm space, or is there a housing crunch?
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What do students say about living and dining on campus?
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How do students choose a residence hall and a roommate?
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Do most students choose to live off campus after freshman year?
Questions About Work and Research Opportunities
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What types of research opportunities do students have access to outside of the classroom?
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What type of career guidance is offered by this school?
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Questions About Student Retention
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What is the four-year graduation rate?
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What are the requirements to graduate in four years?
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What is the average level of student loan debt upon graduation?
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Are career advising services available to alumni or only to enrolled students?
Be Ready to Decide
At the end of the day, it’s your decision. Listen to your gut.
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Do you feel comfortable walking around campus?
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Do you feel at home?
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Do you click with the students and faculty?
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Is this what you imagined college to be like?
Of course, visiting colleges may not be possible for everyone, but it’s a good idea to make the trips if you can. You can also take advantage of virtual tours, if it is not possible for you to visit the campus. It can help you determine whether a college is the right one for you.
