Tips for Touring Colleges as a High School Junior

Hi everyone! I'm starting to think seriously about my college options and want to make the most out of campus visits. Does anyone have tips or advice on what to look for or ask about when touring colleges? I'm especially interested in how to make these trips impactful since I'll need to travel a bit to visit the schools on my list. Any thoughts on what stood out to you if you've already done some tours?

Great plan! College visits can provide invaluable insights about what type of college experience you're looking for.

When on a tour, pay close attention to the general atmosphere of the school. Note how students interact with each other. Does it seem competitive or collaborative? Do students seem engaged, relaxed, or pressured? Listen to your gut feeling about whether the environment suits you.

Visit the buildings and facilities that will be most relevant to your experience—your prospective major's department, the library, student center, recreational center, dining halls, dorms, etc. Try to take a peek at a lecture or class if possible. Also, poke around the school's neighborhood. Schools aren't just about the campus themselves, but also the communities they're a part of.

If you can, chat with current students. They're your best source for real, unfiltered information on what it's like to attend that school. Ask them what their favorite and least favorite things are about the school, about the faculty-student relationship, about the workload, about what they do on weekends.

On the formal part of the tour, don't shy away from asking your tour guide questions. They're usually current students who can provide firsthand insights about the college life there. They can also give you some insider tips about the application process, what the school values in a student, etc.

Remember, traveling can be tiring, and scheduling too many visits in a row may result in a less impactful experience at each one. Try to limit yourself to a couple of colleges per day, and give yourself some downtime in between to process your impressions and jot down your thoughts.

After each visit, write a brief summary of your impressions—the pros and cons. These notes will be helpful when you're comparing schools later on.

Last but not least, enjoy your trip! College visits are a great opportunity to explore new places and meet new people. It's a big step towards your future. I hope you find the perfect match. Good luck!