Top Places to Visit on College Tours

Students hoping to find their ideal college have a unique opportunity each year:  Spring Break. It’s typically the only time of year when high school students are on break while college students are engaged in classes. Most colleges schedule their spring break for early March, while most high schools hold theirs in April. This provides the perfect opportunity for high school students to visit campuses while college life is in full swing.

To maximize this opportunity, high school students should register in advance and then sign in at the Admissions Office on the day of their visit. This is important because colleges keep track of their engagement with students and view it as a sign of demonstrated interest. Visiting students should take the official campus tour and maximize the opportunity to ask questions of their student guide.  There are no “bad questions,” so students and parents should ask whatever is on their mind: rigor of academics, dedication of professors, internship and study abroad options, extra-curricular activities, quality of dorms and dining halls, and the overall atmosphere on campus.

Students should let the tour guide know of any priorities, such as viewing science labs, the campus radio station, specific athletic facilities, and the like. Tour guides who do not have access will be able to connect families to staff members who do.

After the conclusion of the tour, students and parents should continue gathering information to determine the suitableness of the college.  A key place to visit is the main dining hall, where college students mingle to eat their meals and socialize.  Visiting students should eat in the dining hall to determine if the fare would be palatable to them for three meals a day for four years.  It’s also a great place to watch college students interact with each other and to approach students and ask questions about the college.   

Typically, the dining hall is located near or inside the Campus Center – another great place to observe and talk to students and sense the vibe of the student body.  Posters and flyers will advertise upcoming campus events. The college newspaper, which visitors should take and read, will be full of articles on topics important to the student body. 

By the end of a visit, high school students should know whether or not the college is a good fit for their future academic journey.

Susan Alaimo is the founder & director of Collegebound Review, offering PSAT/SAT^® preparation & private college advising by Ivy League educated instructors. Visit CollegeboundReview.com or call 908-369-5362