Today, we’re going to talk about how to rock your summer college tours. Hey there, future college students! Thinking about college can be super exciting, but also a bit scary. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. . Trust me, it’s way more fun than it sounds!
Why Summer is Awesome for College Tours
Summer is the perfect time to check out colleges. You’re out of school, the weather’s nice, and you can take your time exploring campuses. Plus, you won’t have to miss any classes or activities back home. It’s like a vacation, but with a purpose!
Planning Your Summer College Tour Adventure
Before you jump in the car or book that flight, let’s talk about planning. Good planning can make your college tour way more fun and less stressful.
When to Start Planning
Start planning early! Like, a few months before summer. This gives you time to research schools, figure out your schedule, and make all the necessary arrangements. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later for being so organized.
How Many Colleges Should You Visit?
Don’t go crazy trying to visit every college out there. Aim for about 5-10 schools. Any more than that, and you might start mixing them up in your head. Plus, you want to have some time to enjoy your summer too!
Choosing Which Colleges to Tour
Pick a mix of schools. Include some that are your “dream schools,” some that you’re pretty sure you can get into, and some “safety” schools. Also, try to visit different types of colleges – big ones, small ones, city schools, and rural campuses. This will help you figure out what kind of college feels right for you.
Making a Schedule
Once you know which colleges you want to visit, it’s time to make a schedule. Try to group colleges that are close to each other. This saves time and money. Leave some wiggle room in your schedule for unexpected delays or if you want to spend extra time somewhere.
Types of College Visits
Not all college visits are the same. Here are the main types you should know about:
Official Campus Tours
These are guided tours led by current students or staff. They’ll show you around campus and tell you all about the school. It’s a great way to get an overview of the college.
Information Sessions
These are usually talks given by admissions officers. They’ll tell you about the application process, financial aid, and what the school is looking for in students. Don’t skip these – they’re super helpful!
Self-Guided Tours
Sometimes, you might want to explore on your own. Many colleges have maps or apps you can use to give yourself a tour. This can be fun, but make sure it’s okay with the college first.
Virtual Tours
Can’t make it to campus? Many colleges offer virtual tours online. While not as good as being there in person, they can still give you a good feel for the school.
What to Look for During Your Visit
When you’re on campus, keep your eyes peeled for these things:
Campus Atmosphere
Does the campus feel welcoming? Can you picture yourself hanging out there? Trust your gut feeling about the place.
Dorms and Living Spaces
Check out where you might be living. Are the dorms nice? Do they feel like a place you’d be comfortable?
Classrooms and Study Areas
Peek into some classrooms. Are there good places to study? Look for libraries, quiet corners, and spots where students hang out to do homework.
Dining Options
Food is important! Check out the cafeteria and other places to eat on campus. Is there a good variety? Does it look tasty?
Sports and Recreation Facilities
Even if you’re not an athlete, sports facilities can be great for staying healthy and having fun. Look for gyms, pools, and outdoor spaces.
Student Life and Activities
See what kind of clubs and activities are available. Are there things that interest you? This is a big part of college life!
Questions to Ask During Your Visit
Don’t be shy – ask lots of questions! Here are some good ones to start with:
Questions for Tour Guides
- What’s your favorite thing about this college?
- What surprised you most when you first came here?
- What do students do for fun on weekends?
Questions for Current Students
- Why did you choose this college?
- What’s the workload like?
- How’s the food, really?
Questions for Admissions Officers
- What makes a strong application for this school?
- What kind of students do well here?
- Can you tell me about financial aid options?
Making the Most of Your Time on Campus
Your visit doesn’t have to end with the official tour. Here are some extra things you can do:
Exploring Beyond the Official Tour
Wander around on your own a bit. Check out parts of campus the tour didn’t cover. This can give you a more realistic feel for the place.
Talking to Students and Faculty
If you see students or professors, don’t be afraid to say hi and ask them about the school. Most people are happy to chat!
Checking Out the Surrounding Area
Take some time to explore the town or city around the college. This is where you’ll be living, after all!
Keeping Track of Your Visits
After a while, colleges can start to blur together. Here’s how to keep them straight:
Taking Notes
Jot down your thoughts right after each visit. What did you like? What didn’t you like? What stood out?
Photos and Videos
Take lots of pictures and videos. These can help jog your memory later.
Collecting Brochures and Materials
Grab any handouts or brochures the college offers. These can be helpful when you’re comparing schools later.
Combining College Tours with Summer Fun
Who says college tours can’t be fun? Here’s how to mix business with pleasure:
Planning Mini-Vacations Around College Visits
If you’re visiting a college in a cool city or near a beach, plan to spend an extra day or two exploring. It’s a great way to turn college tours into a family trip.
Exploring Nearby Attractions
Research fun things to do near each college. Maybe there’s a famous restaurant, a cool museum, or a beautiful park nearby.
Making it a Family Bonding Experience
College tours can be a great time to hang out with your family. Plan some fun activities you can all enjoy together between visits.
Virtual Tours: An Alternative or Addition
Can’t visit every college in person? Virtual tours can help:
Benefits of Virtual Tours
Virtual tours let you check out colleges from anywhere. They’re great for getting a first look at a school or exploring colleges that are too far to visit.
How to Make the Most of Virtual Visits
Treat virtual tours seriously. Take notes, ask questions if there’s a live guide, and really pay attention to what you’re seeing.
Combining Virtual and In-Person Tours
Use virtual tours to help you decide which colleges to visit in person. They can also be a great way to “revisit” a campus after your trip.
After the Tour: Next Steps
Your work isn’t done when the tour ends. Here’s what to do next:
Reflecting on Your Visits
Take some time to think about each college you visited. How did it make you feel? Could you see yourself there?
Narrowing Down Your College List
Use what you learned on your tours to refine your list of colleges. Which ones are still in the running? Which ones didn’t feel right?
Planning Follow-Up Actions
If you really liked a college, consider reaching out to thank them for the tour. You might also want to connect with students you met or ask any questions you forgot to ask during your visit.
Summer Programs and Campus Visits
Want to get an even better feel for college life? Consider a summer program:
Types of Summer Programs on College Campuses
Many colleges offer summer classes, camps, or workshops for high school students. These can range from academic programs to sports camps to arts workshops.
How These Programs Can Enhance Your College Tour Experience
Attending a summer program lets you experience college life firsthand. You’ll get to stay in dorms, eat in the cafeteria, and maybe even take college-level classes.
Finding and Applying for Summer Programs
Check college websites for information on summer programs. Apply early, as these programs can fill up fast!
Budget-Friendly College Tour Tips
College tours can get expensive, but there are ways to save money:
Planning an Affordable Route
Try to visit colleges that are close to each other to save on travel costs. Consider driving instead of flying if possible.
Finding Deals on Travel and Accommodation
Look for student discounts on hotels and transportation. Some colleges even offer overnight stays in dorms for prospective students.
Free Resources for College Visits
Many colleges offer free tours and information sessions. Take advantage of these! Also, check out free online resources for virtual tours and college info.
Safety and Health Considerations
Safety first! Here are some things to keep in mind:
Staying Safe While Traveling
Always let someone know your plans. Stick to well-lit, populated areas, especially if you’re in an unfamiliar city.
Health Precautions During Campus Visits
Bring hand sanitizer and any medications you might need. Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be doing a lot of walking!
What to Do in Case of Emergencies
Have a plan in case something goes wrong. Know how to contact campus security and have important phone numbers handy.
Making Your College Tour Stand Out
Want to make a great impression? Here’s how:
How to Make a Good Impression
Be polite, ask thoughtful questions, and show genuine interest. Dress neatly – you don’t need to be super formal, but avoid anything too casual.
Following Up After Your Visit
Send a thank-you email to your tour guide or any admissions officers you met. This shows you’re serious about the school.
Using Your Tour Experience in Your Application
When you apply, mention specific things you liked about the campus from your visit. This shows you’ve done your homework and are really interested in the school.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t fall into these traps:
Overbooking Yourself
Don’t try to visit too many colleges in one day. You’ll end up exhausted and confused.
Not Doing Enough Research Beforehand
Know the basics about each college before you visit. This will help you ask better questions and get more out of your tour.
Focusing Only on Famous or Big-Name Schools
Don’t ignore smaller or less well-known colleges. Sometimes these can be the perfect fit!
College Tour Checklist
Here’s what you should bring on your college tours:
What to Pack
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothes
- Snacks and water
- Camera or smartphone
- Notebook and pen
Documents to Bring
- ID
- Copy of your transcript (just in case)
- List of questions
- Map of the campus
Technology and Tools that Can Help
- Smartphone with campus tour apps
- Portable charger
- GPS or map app
Wrapping It Up
Phew! That was a lot of info, right? But don’t worry – college tours are actually pretty fun. Remember, this is your chance to find the perfect place for the next chapter of your life. So enjoy the process, ask lots of questions, and trust your instincts.
Summer college tours are all about exploring your options and getting excited about your future. So get out there, visit some amazing campuses, and start imagining where you might be in a couple of years. Who knows? You might just fall in love with a school you never expected!
Good luck, future college students. You’ve got this!