Taking official college tours is one of my favorite aspects of college admissions counseling. I’m a sucker for facts and myths about campus buildings, I appreciate a good walk, and am repeatedly blown away that I ever successfully fit my wardrobe into a dorm room closet. Most importantly, I experience the vibe so I can lend perspective to my students who are thinking about applying.
My daughter, who is on the verge of her freshman year of high school, has accompanied me on a number of tours. She loves coming along because she knows the restaurant situation around campus is full of the ethnic flavor she’s been craving (and that the Cleveland suburbs are lacking). I admit it’s a big draw for me as well, and we stuff our faces after each tour ends.
But the pressure is off for her, right? She isn’t touring these schools with a discerning eye, questioning whether she wants to begin her independent life there. I absolutely understand the weight the tour carries for older students and parents—there is anxiety underlying the excitement. “Could I see myself living here?” It’s a heavy question.
Here’s the deal, though—visiting the schools to which you (or your student) are applying is absolutely necessary.
Parents: would you buy a house based only on Zillow?
Students: would you be upset if you had to move to a new city and school without visiting first?
Walking campus and hearing student perspectives are integral for applicants to gauge “fit.” Frankly, I don’t take the tags off a pair of jeans until I’ve worn them around my house for a couple of hours to make sure they’re worth it. Students have to try a school on! I can analyze your GPA and test scores against school benchmarks and statistics, objectively assess how you spent your time in high school, and help you craft a stand-out essay, but I can’t tell you how you will feel there. That intangible nature of atmosphere is different for everyone.
Here are some logical points to keep in mind when building a college list, actually applying, and planning a visit:
Tour a variety of schools within close proximity to your home to see what you might like. Check out urban and rural campuses, large and small colleges. When I took my daughter to a renowned liberal arts school, I thought she would love its quirks and ambience. We enjoyed the tour, asked many questions, ooh’ed and aah’ed at its distinct elements—but when it ended she said, “I don’t think I’d want to go to a school like this.”
If you aren’t able to visit a school because the drive is too long, plane tickets are too expensive, or there are no direct flights, perhaps that school is not workable for these precise reasons. Students will want to come home sometimes, and parents will want to pop in for a weekend. Why waste the application fee and write the supplemental essays if the school isn’t really a workable choice? Don’t apply just to see—sometimes more options lend to more confusion.
Yes, touring before students have an admission decision can heighten anxiety. But it might lessen it if it’s not a good fit and can therefore be checked off the list.
Tours aren’t just for juniors and seniors. Take your freshman or sophomore before the anticipation of applying builds.
Check out schools in places you’re traveling. I’ve walked schools spur of the moment. Even if the official tours are full, many colleges offer a self-guided option.
One of the best aspects of being at a college is that there is often something exciting happening. Schedule your tour around music or sports to catch a show or a game. There might be a theatrical performance on or around campus. Or, follow my lead and use Maps to see what restaurants and shops are close by. Court Street at OU, Westwood Village at UCLA, and Telegraph at Cal are places I spent significant amounts of time while I was a student that helped define my life at school. So whether it’s bao, falafel, dumplings, or bubble tea you’re looking for, let college visits give you more than just the flavor for the university and start scheduling them!