Are Colleges Starting to Offer In-person Tours Again?

How can I prepare for the tours?
How do I know if a school would be a good match for my child?

Recently I went on a few college tours with my own daughter. I struggled to keep up with her 16-year-old pace as we braved the next steep campus hill, and I could tell that this college campus was exciting to her – she wanted to learn more. Besides her eager walk making me play catch up, I witnessed her smile earlier in the morning as the admissions counselor presented all that is good at their prized institution. I could tell she was actually imagining herself living here, she seemed so confident. The juxtaposition of this visit, compared to the one we had done the day before, told me a story. My kid was figuring it out, she was starting to understand where she would be happy. With close to 4,000 schools in this country, she was getting in touch with what she wanted, and was starting to whittle down and become confident in her college list.

Are you starting to think about college tours yet? Have you dug into college search databases? Considered potential majors? City or rural? Study abroad? Who offers merit aid? You may not know where to start now but by the end of junior year, you will probably feel like somewhat of a college subject-matter expert. From faculty to student ratios, admissions rates, clubs, and campus culture, all the variables that make a school a good match can be dizzying. Add in a few tours of “Harry Potter'' libraries and “Hogwarts” dining halls and the whole thing becomes emotional...as if it’s not emotional already.

As parents, we stand in awe in a Michigan Law library, or a Pittsburgh Cathedral of Learning, but your son or daughter is probably a little more overwhelmed at the process of leaving home to actually notice the Gothic architecture or appreciate the history and learning that has taken place within these hallowed places. At College Mode Consulting, we’ve been to many beautiful campuses that feel special and we can guide you to becoming a discerning consumer of higher education. Those feelings you get when you step foot on a campus should not be discounted, but here are some important tips on what else to look for.

Start early! The whole process of applying to college adds its own stress. By starting early, you will have time to imagine what their life might be like without the time pressure of having to choose.

Research a bit before you go. Read about the college before you go to refresh your memory.

Sign up for an information session. Visit the admissions office. These are the people who can answer your questions about specific programs. Ask about the types of students who come to this school? Is everyone from this state or do students come from all over? What types of support are in place for new students?

Participate in a student panel. This is where you can hear about campus traditions, favorite classes, and why someone chose to attend this college.

Check out the dorms and dining halls. Be a good consumer and do your research. Can you imagine yourself here? You’ll be eating and sleeping here for up to four years. Make sure you can be happy.

Visit a class or meet with a professor. You are making a big decision about where you want to get your education. Ask admissions if you could sit in on a class, or meet with a coach, or talk to a student who runs a club.

Visit the library. Ask where the freshman usually study? Which libraries are open 24 hours?

Think about wellness. Where will you go to get in a workout? Are there exercise classes? Are there jogging and walking trails? Think about what you do to stay healthy now in high school and imagine an intentional transition. Be open to new things too.

Imagine your social life. Do you thrive on a small friend group or do you like to be part of a larger circle? Identify several clubs, teams, or groups that might be a potential way for you to find your people.

Take notes & take some pictures. After visiting a bunch of schools, they all start to blend. Talk about the visit with your family and write down the details.You will appreciate having solid notes when you start your supplemental essays.

Understanding all the components of college admissions takes time, and having experts help you navigate the thousands of variables can give you confidence in your college decisions. If you’re looking for experts to walk you through this process, please call College Mode and set up a free consultation. We are here and love to answer questions.