Should you bring your parents to a college tour?

It is always good to have someone along on a college visit because they might hear or see things that you miss. A parent is a good choice, particularly if they are paying for college. Caution: if you are visiting colleges with close friends, don't let their opinions affect how you feel about a school.

Should parents come on college tours?

There's a fine line for parents on campus tours. Parents are essentially there for moral support. Help them prepare for the visit, but remember, this is their campus tour. Don't smother them; the opportunity to be more involved will happen after the college tour, as you're reviewing the experience together.

What should parents wear on a college tour?

College admission consultants encourage parents to wear an outfit they feel comfortable in but also with style. The same advice follows for parents: do not wear any appeal with any inappropriate graphic images, curse words, or any word or image that may be offensive (including any political statements).

What age is best for college tours?

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

Should you bring anything to a college tour?

There are three essential items you must take on all college tours according to Crum—an umbrella, a bottle of water, and comfortable shoes. “You'll want to be as comfortable as possible,” she says. “Your view of a school can be totally skewed if you're grumpy, hot, thirsty or wet.”

Parents’ Role In Their Student’s College Tours

What not to ask on a college tour?

Your tour guide is usually a respected member of the college who most likely attended the school in the past or is a student themselves. 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.

Do college tours increase chances of getting in?

Visits Show Demonstrated Interest

Colleges are eager to admit applicants who have done their research and are excited about the possibility to attend a specific school. Every university strives to maintain its yield rate or the number of accepted applicants who choose to enroll.

Can you wear jeans to a college tour?

If it is a typical college visit, a pair of jeans and a T-shirt are fine for a casual college visit. Most simple college tours are less than a day and can range from two to eight hours of activities. You'll participate in seminars, building tours, and Q&A sessions with departments like financial aid and admissions.

What month is best for college tours?

College visits are a good use of downtime over spring break, as well. Late summer and early fall before senior year are also convenient times, the College Board website notes, adding that classes may already be in session, allowing prospective students a fuller glimpse of campus life.

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.

Do parents go on official college visits?

Do parents go on official visits? Parents are invited to go on official visits. The school can pay for three meals per day and tickets to a home sports match. However, the school is only allowed to pay for their transportation to and from campus if the parents are traveling in the same car as the recruit.

Should I bring a backpack to a college tour?

You may also bring one personal item. We suggest a backpack. You will use your backpack during touring days for water, sunscreen, etc. All liquids need to be stored in a 1 quart, clear, Ziploc bag.

Can I wear ripped jeans to 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.

How often should parents visit in college?

Limit your visits to not more than one per month and, when you do visit, ask what they would like to do. Ensure that you make plans beforehand instead of just dropping by for a visit. This shows that you respect their new lifestyle as you would any other adult who may have plans.

Do siblings go on college visits?

It's also a great time for younger students like freshmen and sophomores to do some casual college visits while on short fall breaks or even accompany an older sibling on their own visits.

How important are college tours?

Visiting different campuses is an essential step in your college search process. Not only will it help you become familiar with the colleges you're most interested in, but it will also help you get a better understanding of what types of schools are the best fit for your unique needs.

What questions should I ask at a college tour?

What should I bring on a college tour?

What should I wear to college visit?

Dress clothes are unnecessary, but do dress a little nicer than you would for just a tour. Polished shoes are a good choice, but you still want them to be comfortable. If they're going to pinch as you walk around campus, you may want to go more casual with a nice boat shoe, loafer, or boot.

Can you wear sweatpants to a college visit?

Dress Comfortably, but Avoid the Sweats

With all these activities, you are going to be moving around a lot and making many first impressions. It's a good idea to be comfortable during your visit and wear casual clothing that represents you in a positive light.

Can I wear skirt to college?

Skirts and dresses should hit below the knee for women, even though you may see shorter styles in the classroom. All students should avoid heavy perfumes or colognes and keep their hair tidy. Footwear is also an important consideration, particularly for women.

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.

Are college tours expensive?

In general, college tours are not expensive. They typically don't cost you or your child money. Colleges and universities generally offer free tours, free lunch on campus and more. However, it's the other expenses — hotel, airfare, gas and more — that can add up.

What do I need to know before a college tour?

Do colleges know if you took a tour?

When you reach the campus for a scheduled tour, there will be a check-in somewhere to confirm your attendance. Some applications have space to indicate your interactions with the university like how you got to know about them, information sessions you've attended, and campus tours.