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

By Lynne Fuller, Founder of College Flight Path

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 student plans for college tours. In this guide, I will share valuable insights on how to optimize campus exploration and help focus on what truly matters during the college road trip.

First - Start By Planning the Route

The first step in planning a successful college road trip is to carefully select the colleges your student wants to visit. Consider 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 the 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. If you cannot avoid a Sunday, utilize a virtual tour guide from Campus Tours to help guide, then follow up with admissions with specific questions and register for their emails.

Maximizing Time on Campus

Visiting a college campus is more than just walking around and taking in the sights. To make the most of your student’s time, schedule guided tours, information sessions, and interviews with admissions officers whenever possible. This will give 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 students to take notes either in a notebook or in Google Keep. It is an easy app to download where your student can take notes on the school, add pictures or videos, and answer questions like:

Campus Vibe (activities, clubs, after-hours)
Campus Size (walkability)
Housing
Career Services
Food options (don’t forget to eat there!)
Semester system (quarter, semester, trimester)
Surrounding area (how close to a pharmacy, food store, and necessities)
Tour guide name, major, activities, did your student receive their contact information (if so, follow up with a thank you note)
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 your student. Consider the following aspects during the visit:

Academic Programs: Evaluate the strength and variety of the programs that interest your student. Speak with professors and students in the 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 their interests and values. 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 needed 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 the College Visits

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

Personal Fit: Consider how well they can envision being a part of the campus community. Does the college align with your student’s values, interests, and goals?
Academic Match: Evaluate the strength of the academic programs and whether they meet all expectations. Are there unique opportunities or resources that stand out?
Feeling of Connection: Students should pay attention to their gut feeling. Was there a sense of connection or excitement while on campus? Encourage them to trust their instincts, and please listen!

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

To learn more about crafting the perfect college road trip or any other related topics, follow us on Instagram for loads of college tour recaps @collegeflightpath, email hello@collegeflightpath.com, or book a free 15-minute call to have any questions answered.