Your 10th grader is only months away from the junior year—prime college-planning territory. Want to get a head start? One of the best ways is visiting a few colleges to help your teen figure out what they want in a college. Touring schools that vary in size (large vs. small) and location (rural vs. urban) can spark valuable conversations about their preferences.
Why College Tours Matter
When you invest time and money in a college tour, the goal is to walk away with clarity about whether a school deserves a spot on your teen’s list. Ideally, you’ll get insights from the admissions counselor and the tour guide, who can share the student perspective and showcase key campus features.
But let’s be real—college tours can sometimes feel flat. It’s not uncommon to leave campus with more questions than answers. That’s why you need to take charge of the experience. With a little preparation, you can make every visit meaningful and productive.
Tips for Productive College Tours
Here’s how to make sure your time on campus is worth every second:
- Do Your Homework First: Start with a virtual tour at home and explore the college’s website. Dive into programs that interest your teen, look up clubs, and read about campus culture. When it’s time for the official tour and information session, you’ll be ready to focus on what matters most.
- Limit Tours to Two Schools Per Day: Touring more than two campuses in a single day can lead to exhaustion and information overload. Keep it manageable to ensure you can fully experience and reflect on each visit.
- Explore the Surroundings: Take time to drive or walk around the campus perimeter. What’s nearby? Is the area bustling, serene, or somewhere in between?
- Go Beyond the Basics: Register for specialized tours that focus on areas of interest, like engineering, business, or health sciences.
- Notice the Vibes: Look for signs of campus culture—posters, events, and even student messages on dorm windows. Check out what professors display on their office doors or notice any quirky traditions.
- Taste the Experience: Skip the fancy dining hall on the tour and try another on-campus eatery. This gives a fuller picture of what day-to-day life might feel like for your student.
Why the Official Tour and Info Session Matter
Virtual tours and online research are excellent starting points, but they’re just that—a start. You can’t get the full picture of a college without experiencing it in person. The official tour and information session let you feel the energy of the campus, hear directly from students, and see the facilities up close.
The in-person experience provides those “aha” moments where your teen might say, “This feels like home,” or “This isn’t what I expected.” It’s an invaluable step in building their college list.
Final Thoughts
College tours are about more than checking a box—they’re opportunities to uncover what makes each school unique and whether it’s a good fit. Start early, explore broadly, and remember: this process is as much about learning what your teen doesn’t want as it is about finding their dream school.
Take the first step toward a stress-free college journey. Head over to College Sharks on social media or to www.annapoliscollegeconsulting.com for more expert advice and tips!
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