From elementary school through high school, if you are eventually going to college, don’t wait until your senior year in high school to take a tour. Start young!
Here are some quick tips to make the most of an impromptu tour THIS MONTH …
- Visit While in Session – The best time to visit a college campus is while it is in session. Elementary, middle, and high schools are celebrating the Lincoln’s Birthday and/or Washington’s/President’s Day this month, but many colleges are still in session. (Spring Break is another excellent time to visit a college campus since many school breaks vary.)
- Choosing a College to Visit – For starters, pick the one closest to you. Get a feel for what’s around you as a comparison for visiting other colleges. Note what you like or dislike about that college – size, location, atmosphere, majors available, etc.
- Parking & Traffic – Plan ahead, start out early, and be patient. Search information on visitor parking locations, parking fees, and how to pay for parking.
- Public Transportation – Does the school have access to the bus, trolley, train, or other forms of public transportation? If so, try it out!
- Admissions Office – Whether you are planning a formal scheduled tour or not, call or stop by the college admissions office to pick up a map and other campus information.
- Library – Get a feel for their quiet areas. How do college students study? What resources does the library have to offer besides books? Printer access? Computers to use?
- Housing – Check out the dorms and nearby apartments. Visit the housing office to see if you can take a quick tour of a dorm room or apartment.
- Meals – Where to students on campus typically eat? What variety of options are available to them. Grab a bite for lunch and hang out with the local students.
- Campus Life – Check out the banners, posters, and flyers around school to see what’s going on. Ask students what they like to do around campus. Get a feel for life as a college student on that campus.
- Book Store – Before you leave, stop by the local book store for some souvenirs. If you are a fan of that college, why not buy a T-shirt, banner, mug, or sticker to support your dream!
