Flickr user John Loo
During a typical college visit, a tour guide takes the group of visiting students and their families around the campus and shows them the various facilities that the college offers. These tours are generally held on fixed dates and the tour guide is usually a faculty member or a current undergrad student.
In addition to these standard tours, you can also request a few different types of special tours.
Major Tours
For example, you could request a tour based on your potential major. During this tour, you would get a chance to talk with the subject professor as well as the head of that particular program. This type of tour is really useful as it gives you more than just a cursory look at the campus and the facilities. After all, all colleges today have impressive campuses but the fact is, it is the faculty that can make or break your entire college experience.
By interacting with the faculty of your potential major, you will get a better idea of what kind of experience you can expect during your time in college. This will help you make an informed decision about whether or not that particular college is the right fit for you.
Overnight Tours
In addition to spending a day on campus, you could spend a night there as well. Some programs offer dorm-rooms to the visiting potential students. Spending the night can make a tour feel “real.” After all, it’s good to get a feel for the entirety of that college’s experience.
Private Tours
If a large-group setting doesn’t feel personalized enough, try opting for a private tour. A more one-on-one approach helps many students understand what their experience will be like. Students can ask questions and expect tailored answers relevant to them.
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