As a high school student, you are excited about your next big adventure, which is life as a college student. There’s a lot to consider as you prepare for this exciting journey, including your goals, your finances, and your idea of the ‘ideal’ college experience, to name a few. Research can help, but website visits will only go so far. If you desire an on-campus experience, you will eventually need to take your college search into the real world.
This is where the classic campus tour can make a world of difference. Offering an exciting introduction to the college environment, this tour lets you step into the shoes of a college student for a few hours. You’ll see what sets each campus apart and, over time, learn what you find compelling. This is a huge part of your transition from high school to college, so keep reading to learn what to look for when visiting colleges.
Planning Your College Visits
It’s no secret that college visits are important, but how you approach this experience also matters. This process should feel purposeful. Remember, you will commit several years of your life to this institution. You need to feel confident it will help you reach your full potential. Your campus visit provides the best opportunity for finding a solid match, so plan accordingly.
When Should You Start Visiting Colleges?
With college visits, earlier is usually better. Consider the recommended application timeline. You’ll probably start sending these during the first semester of your senior year. Campus tours are best completed before you apply, so you’ll likely start visiting sometime during your junior year or as your senior year approaches.
Some students have been known to start visiting campuses as sophomores, but this is not always necessary. An additional year of high school coursework (especially advanced placement or other college-level classes) can be incredibly helpful in clarifying what you want to study later on.
How Many College Visits Should You Do?
Another factor that might shape when you begin touring colleges is how many campuses you expect to visit. This might be difficult to decide, with many aspiring college students wondering, ”How many college visits should I do?”
There is no simple answer beyond the reality that one visit is rarely enough. You might not get a true sense of the reality of the campus environment until you’ve spent time exploring at three colleges. Too many visits and you’ll start to feel overwhelmed, so try to cap it at five tours and, perhaps, second visits for your top choices.
Scheduling Your Visits
Once you decide which colleges you want to visit, then you should move forward with the scheduling process. This is highly college-specific, as each campus brings a unique approach to scheduling visits and tours. When in doubt, contact admissions advisors to learn what happens during a typical tour and when you can visit.
Preparing for Your College Visit
Scheduling a visit is only the first step. How you prepare for the tour also matters. A little research can make a world of difference. Begin preparing several weeks before your visit. The following tips should help:
What to Bring to a College Visit
The right materials can enhance your college visit. A smartphone is a must, as this allows you to take pictures and jot down a few notes. Some students prefer physical notebooks or planners, where they add any thoughts that cross their mind. These seemingly random thoughts can be surprisingly insightful. Meetings with admissions advisors may be on the schedule, so consider bringing unofficial high school transcripts or even a resume.
Researching the College Ahead of Time
How much do you really know about various college programs? Don’t rely on intuition alone or even word of mouth. You want to feel confident that each program matches your vision of the ideal college experience. This takes research, so be prepared to take a deep dive before you commit to campus visits.
- Review the College Website. First things first, take a close look at official college websites. This is where you’ll get a basic sense of each college’s culture, values, and educational philosophies. You’ll also learn about available academic programs and campus life offerings. Rule out any colleges that do not live up to your basic expectations.
- Check Social Media. Instagram Stories and even TikTok can give you a look behind the curtain at the realities of campus life. Check official college accounts before embarking on targeted searches to learn about individual student experiences. Don’t forget YouTube, where you may find campus walk-throughs or day-in-the-life videos.
- Academic Programs. After you’ve confirmed that your desired degree programs are available at your potential college, take your research a step further by examining the catalog and learning about the curriculum, the accreditation status, and the current faculty members. This will tell you a lot about the quality of each academic program, as opposed to the college as a whole.
Questions to Ask on a College Visit
There’s more to college visits than simply wandering around the campus and enjoying the scenery. This is your chance to get extra details about academic programs and campus life.
Arrive prepared with questions that reflect your priorities or concerns. Follow up on what you’ve learned through at-home research and commit to learning as much as possible while you’re in an immersive campus setting.
Academic Questions
College catalogs and websites will only tell you so much. Take a deeper dive with targeted questions that reflect the specifics of the academic experience.
- What is the student-to-faculty ratio? Class size can have a huge impact on learning outcomes. If small classes are a priority, confirm that you will have plenty of opportunities to interact with faculty members on a one-on-one basis or in a small group environment.
- Are there opportunities for undergraduate research? Many colleges provide research opportunities that let students explore key concepts in depth and contribute to ongoing research in various fields. Ask if such opportunities are available and what they include.
Campus Life
Don’t underestimate the importance of campus life. This is what helps you achieve a sense of balance and may also be key to launching your professional network. Ideally, your college will provide plenty of clubs or activities that reflect your unique interests. That said, you’ll also want opportunities to relax or feel like you are a true member of a vibrant campus community.
- What clubs and organizations are available? Fun and enrichment are important, and they are often best pursued through college clubs or sports teams. Tour guides can share a lot about these opportunities. Ask which clubs are available, how they are run, and what it takes to get involved.
- What is the campus culture like? Tour guides should be able to sum up the campus culture and convey common attitudes or priorities that students and faculty members share. Identify a few adjectives that reflect your ideal college experience and consider how closely these relate to tour guides’ descriptions.
Housing and Facilities
Campus guides are often current students or recent alumni, so they will be able to provide excellent feedback on what it’s truly like to live on campus. Ask these questions to learn more about the experience of the typical on-campus student:
- What are the housing options for first-year students? Some colleges only allow first-year students to live on campus. Some colleges offer various options, such as commuting for students living at home, dormitories, and even on-campus apartments. Try to learn not only what’s available, but also what’s recommended to help new students make friends and feel connected.
- How are the dining facilities and meal plans? College dining can vary greatly, but ideally, you will enjoy access to a welcoming environment that provides plenty of nutritious options. Meal plans matter, so you might not want to eat every meal in the cafeteria. Many colleges offer a la carte options worth exploring. If possible, enjoy a meal on campus.
Support Services
Every student will face academic, financial, or emotional challenges, but the ideal college will provide resources to help navigate (and even learn from) difficult situations. As such, it’s important to ask, ”What resources are available for academic or personal support?” Follow up with questions about academic advising, tutoring, or mental health counseling.
Career Preparation
While many first-year students seek a well-rounded college experience, most share a similar goal of preparing for success in the workforce. This is achieved through college coursework, skill development, and exploring internships and other applied experiences. For this reason, you may wonder, “How does the college assist with internships and job placement?” Don’t forget to ask about career services and whether you can find help with drafting your resume or preparing for interviews.
During Your College Visit
You’ve done your research and drafted relevant questions, but during the actual campus visit, you need to speak up to get the insight you need. Don’t be afraid to seek detailed feedback, as that’s what campus tours are all about!
Can You Visit a College Without a Tour?
Perhaps you like the idea of visiting campuses in person but worry about scheduling a traditional tour. You may be wondering, “Can you visit a college without a tour?”
The good news is that some colleges provide the opportunity to explore on your own. This can be fun, offering a hint at what it might be like to eventually navigate campuses as a full-blown student. You might receive a map or basic write-ups on all the key campus attractions. Still, guided tours are important, as you want to interact with actual students, and this is most easily achieved when meeting with a dedicated tour guide.
What to Look for When Visiting Colleges
Some insights are best gained by asking questions, and others call for close observation. Be mindful of these essentials as you explore each campus:
- Academic Facilities. From lecture halls to small classrooms and even lab environments, there are many ways to learn and many settings worth exploring. These facilities can say a lot about college priorities. Consider whether you prefer intimate classrooms, immersive settings, or high-tech opportunities. Evaluate how well-maintained these facilities seem and determine how recently they’ve been renovated.
- Residence Halls. Campus life can bring a unique dynamic to your college experience, but a lot depends on specific residence halls. Ideally, your tour will include at least one dorm or on-campus apartment building. This is your chance to see a ‘typical’ dorm room and learn about common areas where you can relax as you get to know other students.
- Campus Amenities. Beyond the dorms, many campuses provide common areas where students can find everything from dining to personal enrichment. Fitness centers, student lounges, and libraries can all elevate your campus experience. Determine which amenities you find important and check with the guide to see if they are available.
- Campus Environment. The ideal campus will be easy to navigate and pleasing to the eye. Cleanliness is important, but safety is crucial. Look for well-lit walkways and controlled access measures, which may suggest that the campus in question has made an effort to provide a safe and secure environment.
- Student Interactions. A welcoming campus community will include friendly students who seem positive and upbeat. Observe how students interact with one another. If possible, chat with a few current students (other than your guide) about their experiences.
- Surrounding Community. After your tour, explore the local area beyond campus. Check out the main off-campus areas frequented by students, such as malls, parks, and other local amenities.
Making the Most of Campus Tours
A lot goes into campus tours, and if you want to understand the nuances of college life, you will dive into this opportunity and explore all that your potential new college has to offer. Follow these suggestions to make the most of this valuable opportunity:
Engaging With Tour Guides and Current Students
Tour guides are not merely there to ‘sell’ the college in question. They genuinely want to help you feel prepared for life as a college student. They will happily answer any questions you have, so seek their honest opinions. Ask not only what they love about the college in question, but also for insights into any challenges they’ve faced when making the leap from high school to college life.
Attending Classes or Lectures
Don’t rely on tour guides alone to reveal what it’s like to attend a particular college. You can get a better sense of the academic side of student life by attending a class. Not all colleges allow this, but if you’re allowed to sit in on a course or two, you will absolutely want to take advantage of this opportunity. Observe closely to see which instructional methods are used and whether the students seem engaged.
Exploring the Surrounding Area
Your future campus might feel like a close-knit community, but it’s almost certainly part of a larger community worth exploring. This may be where you turn for part-time work opportunities, volunteer positions, or internships, not to mention weekend entertainment.
To get a feel for the community, try exploring as a typical college student might. Not planning on bringing a car? Make sure that the public transit system or ridesharing services will help you get where you need to go while keeping you from feeling restricted.
After Your Visit
Campus visits can feel like a whirlwind, and after seeing and experiencing so much, you might struggle to form a general impression. Take some time to let it all sink in, but be sure to return to your notes and photos later on so you can uncover key takeaways.
Reflecting on Your Experience
As you revisit your notes, consider summarizing your experience so you can understand your gut impression. Journaling is always helpful, although some students find even more clarity when chatting about their experiences with trusted mentors. Otherwise, a classic list of pros and cons may help.
Consider which specific aspects of the campus you find appealing. Do you have any concerns that feel like deal-breakers? Reflect again after you have completed multiple college visits, as this is a great time to compare and contrast.
Comparing Colleges
It’s common practice to submit applications for multiple colleges and programs, but not all students apply the same thought process to campus tours. Yes, this may call for an added commitment, especially if you’re interested in colleges far from home, but multiple visits are important. They provide a frame of reference so you can compare and contrast different college environments.
As you compare colleges, resist the urge to focus exclusively on academic programs. Yes, these matters, but you’ll also want to consider all you’ve learned during your previous tours. Which campuses feel the most welcoming? Where can you realistically envision yourself as part of a vibrant campus community?
Consider the size and location of the campus, along with available clubs, networking opportunities, and the general atmosphere or vibe. Don’t forget financial aid, either! You want to feel confident that you can enjoy all these perks while sticking to your budget.
Deciding on a College
You’ve put in the work and thoroughly examined a variety of colleges and campuses. You can only reflect for so long, however. Eventually, you will need to make your big decision. Narrow down your list to a few favorites, and take action!
Factors to Consider
Every student prioritizes different factors when choosing a college, but academic and career goals are often top of mind. Think carefully about program quality, instructional styles, and experiential options such as internships.
Next, reflect on your comfort with the campus size, location, and culture. This is where your gut feelings will come into play. Finally, consider the practicalities of attending, including the cost of tuition and financial aid opportunities. This may ultimately rule out campuses that otherwise seem appealing.
Making the Final Decision
With so many factors to consider, you may find yourself struggling to choose between top candidates. At this point, a second visit might be worth your while. Ask any lingering questions, and re-evaluate as you compare your top options.
Don’t forget to chat with trusted individuals. College advisors can offer program-specific insights, but your high school mentors or advisors may be even more helpful, as they can offer an impartial perspective. Of course, your instincts also matter. Gut feelings can be difficult to articulate, but they can say a lot about whether a given college is the ‘right fit.’
Kick Off Your College Tours at Baker
An amazing college experience awaits — and Baker can provide the supportive and inspiring environment you crave. You can learn a lot through our Virtual Campus Experience and even more by visiting our campuses in person. Explore our website or get in touch to learn more.