Experiences with UPenn Campus Tours?

I've been looking into scheduling a tour at UPenn. If anyone's taken it, what's it like? What do they show you and is it worth the time?

I'm familiar with information from students who've previously taken the tour at the University of Pennsylvania. They generally remember it as a valuable experience, not only for getting a sense of the campus and its facilities, but also for the chance to experience the school's atmosphere in person.

Most tours usually start at the visitor center and head towards some of the central landmarks of UPenn, including Locust Walk, the heart of student life, and College Green, a popular outdoor gathering spot. They might showcase the academic side of things by taking you to the Quadrangle, the main freshman dormitory, to give you a sense of residential life. You may also visit Fisher Fine Arts Library, a magnificent structure, and even see a few classrooms.

Several students mention that one of the highlights of the tour is the inside visit to Van Pelt Library, one of the principal libraries on campus. It's visually impressive, and it offers insight into the academic resources available. It's also commonplace for tours to highlight the recreational and athletic aspects of student life, often stopping by Pottruck Health and Fitness Center and the Palestra, UPenn's historic basketball gym.

That said, whether you should spend your time on it really depends on what you're hoping to get out of the experience. Nothing substitutes for the chance to witness campus life firsthand and potentially engage with current students or admissions officers. If you're already seriously considering UPenn, the tour could provide useful insight that can inform your decision or give you authentic details to mention in your "Why UPenn" essay.

However, if travel is a constraint or you're early in your college search process, starting with the virtual tour available on the UPenn admissions website might be the best first step. It covers many campus highlights and gives you an idea of what the physical campus is like.

Either way, definitely take advantage of opportunities like information sessions or Q&A sessions with admissions officers, which UPenn often provides in addition to the tour. They can offer in-depth answers on the academic programs, student life, admissions process, financial aid, and any other topics you're curious about.