Your 10th grader is just months away from junior year—prime college-planning territory. One of the best ways to get a head start? Visiting colleges. Touring schools helps your teen figure out what they want (and don’t want) in their future campus. Exploring campuses of different sizes (large vs. small) and settings (urban vs. rural) can spark meaningful conversations about preferences and priorities.
Why College Tours Matter
A college tour isn’t just a walk around campus—it’s an investment in clarity. Every visit should help answer one key question: Does this school deserve a spot on your teen’s list?
During a tour, your family can:
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Hear from admissions counselors about programs and opportunities.
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Learn from student tour guides who share real campus perspectives.
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See facilities, dorms, classrooms, and recreational spaces in person.
That said, it’s easy to walk away with more questions than answers. The secret? Take charge of the experience with preparation and focus.
Tips for Productive College Tours
Want to make sure every visit is worth your time? Here’s how to maximize the value of each tour:
1. Do Your Homework First
Start with a virtual tour and the school’s website. Look into programs, majors, clubs, and campus culture. That way, when you arrive in person, you’ll know exactly what to pay attention to.
2. Limit to Two Schools Per Day
Touring more than two campuses a day leads to exhaustion and information overload. Keep it manageable so you can reflect on each experience clearly.
3. Explore the Surroundings
Check out the area around campus. Is it lively, quiet, urban, or rural? Could your teen imagine living there for four years?
4. Go Beyond the Basics
Sign up for specialized tours—like engineering labs, business programs, or health science centers. These give deeper insight into areas that matter most to your student.
5. Pay Attention to Campus Vibes
Look around: student posters, events, traditions, or even professor office door signs can reveal culture and personality.
6. Taste the Campus Life
Skip the dining hall featured on the tour and try another on-campus spot. A casual meal gives a more authentic sense of daily student life.
Why the Official Tour & Info Session Are Essential
Online research and virtual tours are helpful—but they’re just the beginning. You can’t capture the energy of a campus until you step foot on it.
During the official tour and info session, your teen can:
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Feel the atmosphere of the campus.
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Ask current students about their experiences.
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See facilities up close, from classrooms to residence halls.
These in-person visits often lead to the “aha” moment: “This feels like home,” or “This isn’t what I expected.” That clarity is priceless in building a strong college list.
Final Thoughts: Start Early, Stress Less
College tours are more than a checkbox—they’re discovery missions. The goal is to find out what makes each school unique and whether it fits your teen academically, socially, and emotionally.
Remember: discovering what your student doesn’t want is just as important as finding their dream school.
🌊 Ready to make the college journey less stressful and more strategic? Follow College Sharks on social media and visit Annapolis College Consulting for expert tips, videos, and resources to help your family take a bite out of college admissions.
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