Should I bring a backpack to a college tour?

When you visit any college, it's a good idea to take your smartphone or camera, notebook, and a small backpack. You'll want to make a record of your experience with pictures, videos, and notes. You may want a jacket or packable umbrella in your backpack to prepare for weather changes.

What should I bring to college tours?

Should you bring a notebook to a college tour?

Students should pack a notepad and pen to jot down notes while they're there so they're not on their phones too much during the visit. How many schools should students visit in one day? We recommend that families visit no more than two schools in one day.

Are you supposed to dress up for a college tour?

Keep It Casual, but Not Too Casual

While a college tour certainly doesn't call for a tuxedo or a prom dress, ripped jeans, ratty t-shirts, or stained sweats may not make the best first impression on the people you meet.

Do college tours increase chances of getting in?

Does Visiting a College Help You Get In? According to an article from Inside Higher Ed, a 2017 study shows that students who demonstrate an interest in attending a particular college by visiting the campus have an advantage in their application for admission compared to students who don't visit the campus.

what's in my backpack 🎒my college essentials

What age is best for college tours?

Generally, it's recommended to start visiting colleges during your junior or senior year of high school.

Do colleges care if you tour?

While visiting college campuses allows students to gain perspective on what kind of college environment they are looking for, it also helps applicants highlight their interest in prospective colleges, showcasing what is known as “demonstrated interest.” Many colleges and universities will keep track of demonstrated ...

What not to wear on a college tour?

While most college visits do not require you to dress out of the ordinary, you should still look presentable if you seriously plan to attend. Make sure your clothes are clean, stain-free, and not wrinkled. Your outfit should still be appropriate even if it's casual.

What not to ask on a campus tour?

You may be tempted to ask personal questions about their applications, SAT or ACT scores, or GPA, from high school or college. Stay away from those types of questions. The tour guide may feel put on the spot to share personal information they may rather keep to themselves.

What should parents wear on a college tour?

For parents, I'd really try to avoid wearing a suit. I know this can be tempting, but think business casual, or even a cross between casual and business casual. If you wear a suit, you will stand out. In general, you want to avoid standing out and you just want to blend in with the group.

Do parents go with you to college tours?

Parents like to go along for the college visit as well. The only thing I caution students is to make sure that they are the ones who take the initiative and ask the questions, speak to staff, and speak to faculty. This is a great time for the student to take the initiative!

How do I prepare for a college tour?

Prepare for Your Visit.

Before you set out, get a map of the college campus (the college's website usually has one). Pick out places of interest. Call the college's admissions office to schedule a guided campus tour. Ask about the best times to visit.

How long do college tours usually last?

How long are college tours? Most college tours will take between 60 and 90 minutes, but some are longer, especially personalized tours. The more time you spend on campus, the more you can experience the “vibe” and discover if it's right for you.

What do I wear on a college tour?

If you're in for the standard campus tour, then casual is just fine—maybe some nice jeans and a college t-shirt. But if you're planning to nail a college interview with admissions, meet with a professor, or chat with department heads, you definitely want to dress up a little more.

What questions to ask during college tour?

Can I wear shorts on a college tour?

Also make sure you are clean shaven, or have your facial hair trimmed and looking presentable. Girls: Try to be conservative in your dress and avoid holes in clothing. Stay away from short shorts and see through clothing. Something as simple as jeans and a t-shirt or blouse would be comfortable and respectful.

Is it OK to walk around a college campus?

Public (State) universities are public property, so you can walk into those campuses. In some cases, with appropriate ID, you might even be able to use the facilities such as the Library. In some larger campuses (such as mine), people routinely use campus roads to get to another destination.

Why should I go on a college tour?

Tour guides will be there to answer any outstanding questions, plus they'll teach you fun facts and history that give you a deeper insight into the college. Most tour guides are current students who are big fans of the college. Since they're students, they can give you firsthand knowledge of the student experience.

What do you wear to an unofficial college visit?

You want to look neat and clean throughout your entire trip. For men, bring a collared shirt with nice jeans or khakis. For women, skirt, dress, nice slacks or jeans are acceptable. Avoid wearing sweatshirts, sweatpants, hats, flip flops and ripped jeans.

Can I wear jeans in college?

There isn't really a set dress code for college, but jeans are definitely allowed and are actually pretty popular. I would say that most people dress pretty casually for college, but there are always exceptions. Some people like to dress up more for class, and others just keep it really casual.

Can you wear offensive shirts in college?

Inappropriate attire for college typically includes clothing that is overly revealing, offensive, or disrespectful.

What do I need to know before touring a college?

What happens on a college tour?

A college tour will include an information session during which you listen to an admissions representative highlight the college's different features and facilities. This is followed by a campus tour where a student will take you around to the main parts of the campus.

How many college tours should you go on?

Visiting too many colleges can be overwhelming and time-consuming, while visiting too few would limit your ability to gather enough information to make optimal decisions. A good rule of thumb is to visit at least three to five colleges that meet your academic and personal criteria.

Is sophomore year too early to visit colleges?

You can start as early as your freshman year of high school and continue visits into your senior year. Because junior year is such a busy year, we recommend that if you haven't already started, that you begin visiting colleges at the end of sophomore year or the summer before junior year.