Researching colleges online is essential to choosing which schools you want to apply to and attend. However, this is just a surface look at the college. If you really want to see a school and determine if it’s right for you, a campus tour is super helpful. This guide will help you understand what campus tours are, what you can expect on them, how you can prepare, and more.
What Are Campus Tours?
Flickr user Nottingham Trent University
Campus tours are official walkabouts of a college and its grounds. They can be led by a school official, an alumnus, or a current student of the college. They’re designed to give prospective students and their facilities a look at the school, highlight what makes it unique, and answer any questions the tour participants may have.
What Will You See on a Campus Tour?
What you will see on a campus tour depends on the college in question. Generally, though, students and their families can expect to see:
- Academic buildings
- The library
- The dormitories
- Dining halls
- Student center
- Athletic centers, gyms, and stadiums
- Campus landmarks, such as iconic buildings and statues
Some schools will allow you to sit in on a class, eat in the dining halls, or see the inside of a dorm room.
Most campus tours have a question and answer session where students and their families can ask the tour guide questions about attending the school.
Signing Up for a Campus Tour
Colleges usually advertise their upcoming campus tours on their website and social media, outlining the steps to sign up. They will outline available dates and times, and they generally require your name, the number of people with you, and your contact information to sign up. If you require special accommodations, be sure to let them know in advance.
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After signing up, you should receive confirmation in your email about your scheduled time and date. Be sure to arrive in plenty of time for your tour or they could leave without you. If you have trouble making it to the event or you need to change your time, just let the college know of the change.
You should never show up for a campus tour that you didn’t register for – they likely will not have spots for you. However, some schools do have open hours tours where students and their families are available to visit at any time throughout the day.
Preparing for a Campus Tour
Students should prepare ahead of their campus tour. Prospective students need to create a list of questions to ask their tour guide, for example, and they may also want to make a college visit worksheet to track their experiences. In addition, checking out online resources, reviewing the tour schedule, and identifying where you need to be to attend the tour are essential steps to be well prepared.
Virtual vs In-Person
Many colleges and universities now offer virtual campus tours in addition to in-person ones. Which should you attend?
Virtual campus tours are usually very carefully curated videos. They will always show the school in the best light and with smiling students in the background. While they can be a great resource while you’re initially researching a college, they shouldn’t be a complete substitute for an in-person tour.
While an in-person tour is also curated – they will only take you to prescribed places on campus after all – they can’t hide the overall environment. Visitors will be able to see happy or not-so-happy students going to and from their classes, the overall state of the campus, and the state of the buildings and facilities. Sometimes visiting a campus, too, can tell a student whether or not it’s a good fit for them.
Campus Tour FAQ
Should I Sign Up for a Campus Tour?
Yes, if you’re considering a college, you should absolutely sign up for a campus tour. Even if you want to explore the college a bit yourself, a campus tour can give you a good idea of what the college has to offer.
When is The Best Time to Visit a Campus?
The best time to visit a college is up for debate. Some believe the best time to visit is before you submit applications. Others believe the best time to visit is after you receive acceptance letters to save travel money.
Generally, though, the best time to visit a campus is when school is in session as students and facility members will be at the college and you’ll be able to see it in full swing.
What Questions Should I Ask My Campus Tour Guide?
You should have a list of questions ready to go before your campus tour begins. If those questions aren’t answered by the end of the tour, you should ask your guide. They can range from major-specific questions to the tour guide’s own experience at the college. Consider what is important to you when designing these questions.
If the tour guide is unable to answer, they should be able to point you in the right direction.
Do I Have to Go on a Campus Tour?
No, you don’t technically have to go on a campus tour, but it is usually recommended. They help you see the overall environment of a college before you sign up to attend.
Can I Tour a College Without an Official Tour Guide?
Yes, you can tour a college without an official tour guide. However, be sure to not enter any restricted areas, such as classes in session or dormitories. Doing so could get you rejected from a college before you even apply.
What Colleges Should I Visit?
You should consider your wants and needs in a college before deciding which schools to visit. Research and tools like College Raptor’s College Match can help you narrow down your list.
How Long Are Campus Tours?
Most campus tours range from between 1 to 2 hours. However, some schools do offer overnight stays to students and their families.
When Are Campus Tours Usually Held?
Campus tours are often held year round, but different schools can have different schedules.
Campus tours deliver insights into a college that you simply can’t get online. If you’re interested in attending a particular school, be sure to do your research into available tour times, registration requirements, and the tour itself to be well prepared for your visit.
Before you can attend a campus tour, you need to know what colleges you want to visit. With thousands of schools in the United States, this can feel like a mountain! But you don’t have to research every school out there. With College Raptor’s College Match, we can narrow down your list. Find out how it works right here.
