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What should I look for when touring a college?
I will be touring a few colleges, what should I check to see if it is the right fit for me?
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5 answers
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Daniel’s Answer
Hi Chen!
I would network with individuals who are either in college or others that have graduated to see their perspective on the university of your choice. I went to many campus days/campus tours before deciding on what university to attend. This is more work/time on your part but it will provide you a real feel for the university. I would also talk to councilors at the university while you are there to assist you in all the options.
Hope some of these thoughts/ideas helped. Good luck on the adventure!
I would network with individuals who are either in college or others that have graduated to see their perspective on the university of your choice. I went to many campus days/campus tours before deciding on what university to attend. This is more work/time on your part but it will provide you a real feel for the university. I would also talk to councilors at the university while you are there to assist you in all the options.
Hope some of these thoughts/ideas helped. Good luck on the adventure!
Updated
Atul’s Answer
Attend the seminar and listen carefully to the counselors.
Visit the college or university while classes are ongoing.
Take note of the following details:
- What is the average class size?
- What percentage of students receive scholarships and how much do they get?
- How many students graduate (what percentage complete their degree in 4 years)?
- Are the dorms clean and modern (with air conditioning)? How many students share a room?
- Do they offer separate dorms for high-achieving students?
- How safe is the walk between campus and dorms? In large cities, mugging can be a concern.
- How easy is it to switch majors (for example, from Engineering to Business)?
- What facilities are available? How many cafeterias are there? Is the library quiet or noisy?
- Visit the school to observe the diversity: the ratio of men to women, and the representation of different ethnicities.
- Lastly, are classes taught by teaching assistants or professors? This is crucial to consider.
Visit the college or university while classes are ongoing.
Take note of the following details:
- What is the average class size?
- What percentage of students receive scholarships and how much do they get?
- How many students graduate (what percentage complete their degree in 4 years)?
- Are the dorms clean and modern (with air conditioning)? How many students share a room?
- Do they offer separate dorms for high-achieving students?
- How safe is the walk between campus and dorms? In large cities, mugging can be a concern.
- How easy is it to switch majors (for example, from Engineering to Business)?
- What facilities are available? How many cafeterias are there? Is the library quiet or noisy?
- Visit the school to observe the diversity: the ratio of men to women, and the representation of different ethnicities.
- Lastly, are classes taught by teaching assistants or professors? This is crucial to consider.
Updated
Quinton’s Answer
Hi Chen! If you have an idea for what you want to study, try to ask lots of questions about the classes and other programs offered. If you learn about a program that a different school has that you really like while touring, don't be afraid to ask your tour guide about it and see if they have something similar as that will help you differentiate the schools when you make your decision.
Also, try to get an idea of what a day in your life would be like. Where will you be living? Do you have to live in a dorm, or can you rent off campus? How far is your walk to class? What activities are there and what are some notable events that occur? What's the weather like? I had to walk to class in the cold and snow for almost half of the school year, which wasn't something I really thought about when I visited in the summer. Try to walk around and think about how you would feel if this is where you'll be spending the next 4 years of your life.
Finally, some companies will recruit from certain schools. If you have an idea of what career you want to have after you graduate and know that a company that you like recruits heavily out of a certain school, that could help your changes of working there after you graduate.
Try not to go to your top school first, since you'll likely think of more things to ask as you look at more and more schools!
Best of luck!
Also, try to get an idea of what a day in your life would be like. Where will you be living? Do you have to live in a dorm, or can you rent off campus? How far is your walk to class? What activities are there and what are some notable events that occur? What's the weather like? I had to walk to class in the cold and snow for almost half of the school year, which wasn't something I really thought about when I visited in the summer. Try to walk around and think about how you would feel if this is where you'll be spending the next 4 years of your life.
Finally, some companies will recruit from certain schools. If you have an idea of what career you want to have after you graduate and know that a company that you like recruits heavily out of a certain school, that could help your changes of working there after you graduate.
Try not to go to your top school first, since you'll likely think of more things to ask as you look at more and more schools!
Best of luck!
Updated
Adrian’s Answer
An essential aspect to consider is the living space, as it significantly impacts your experience. It's also crucial to pay attention to the types of professors and the average distance you'll need to travel for classes. You'll want to avoid having to journey great distances just to attend your courses, so keep these factors in mind for a more enjoyable and encouraging experience.
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hi Chen:
College tours are an exciting event. Here's a brief list of items for your consideration on the tour.
• Pick up brochures, financial aid forms, and the campus map
• Try to sit at the back of a classroom that interests you. If classes aren’t in session, you can still stop in a classroom or lecture hall to get a sense of the environment
• Meet a professor who teaches a course you’re interested in
• Talk to students about their experience
• Take part in a group information session at the admissions office, or if possible, schedule a one-on-one meeting with an admissions officer
• Talk to admissions officers, tour guides, professors, or current students. Ask them to share their contact information so you can send follow-up questions
• Take pictures and/or a short video of each college to refer back to
Take lots of notes and track your visits. Here's a scorecard to help you get started:
(Rate these areas from 1 (low) to 5 (high). Write down your impression - things you like or don't like, things you want to remember)
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 - - - Campus Facilities
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 - - - Dorms
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 - - - Classes/Academics
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 - - - Dining
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 - - - Social Life
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 - - - Overall Feel
Below is a complete checklist on the college tour experience (before and after the tour). Best of luck on your adventure. Enjoy the tours!
The College Campus Tour Checklist • https://blog.collegeboard.org/college-campus-tour-checklist
College tours are an exciting event. Here's a brief list of items for your consideration on the tour.
• Pick up brochures, financial aid forms, and the campus map
• Try to sit at the back of a classroom that interests you. If classes aren’t in session, you can still stop in a classroom or lecture hall to get a sense of the environment
• Meet a professor who teaches a course you’re interested in
• Talk to students about their experience
• Take part in a group information session at the admissions office, or if possible, schedule a one-on-one meeting with an admissions officer
• Talk to admissions officers, tour guides, professors, or current students. Ask them to share their contact information so you can send follow-up questions
• Take pictures and/or a short video of each college to refer back to
Take lots of notes and track your visits. Here's a scorecard to help you get started:
(Rate these areas from 1 (low) to 5 (high). Write down your impression - things you like or don't like, things you want to remember)
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 - - - Campus Facilities
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 - - - Dorms
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 - - - Classes/Academics
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 - - - Dining
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 - - - Social Life
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 - - - Overall Feel
Below is a complete checklist on the college tour experience (before and after the tour). Best of luck on your adventure. Enjoy the tours!
Sheila recommends the following next steps: