What should I bring on a college tour?

Should I bring anything to a college tour?

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. Also, comfortable shoes are a good idea to avoid aching feet from taking the college tour.

What should I pack for college tours?

What should you wear for a college tour?

Make sure your clothes are clean, stain-free, and not wrinkled. Your outfit should still be appropriate even if it's casual. Avoid graphic or obscene shirts or excessively revealing clothing. Your outfit should reflect your attitude and interest in learning about the school.

What do you take notes on in college tour?

Make notes of everything you see and hear during your visit. Get the contact details of the tour guide, faculty members, or admin staff you interacted with, and other students who were also visiting the college. Write down how you felt while walking around the campus. How did the classrooms feel?

7 Tips for Your College Visits

What should parents wear to 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.

What questions should I ask at a college tour?

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.

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.

What age is best for college tours?

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

What should a girl wear to a college tour?

If you're on a guided tour, it's absolutely okay to be a little casual. You don't need to be impressive, though you should aim for comfort and self-confidence. Comfortable shoes are a must, though maybe choose something nicer than your rattiest pair of sneakers.

What to do before a college tour?

Do college tours increase chances of getting in?

Demonstrated interest in a college by visiting can boost your chances of admission. You know that visiting colleges is important. Visiting is often cited as the most important element that helps a student decide if a college is right or not for them.

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.

How long do college tours usually take?

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 not to wear on 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. And first impressions often make lasting impressions.

Do parents come with you on college tours?

It is common and even expected that parents be part of visits to their children's prospective colleges. After all, someone needs to book the trip, be a chaperone for overnight visits and more.

Do colleges know 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 ...

Can siblings go on college tours?

Although it can be fun and cost-effective to schedule a campus visit as a family, unless the other sibling is in high school, having a younger sibling tag along on a college tour can be a distraction to you as well as your older child.

What happens during a college tour?

Your visit is an opportunity to ask about anything that's important to you, including academics, academic and social support, extracurriculars and more. You may also want to ask specific questions if you'll be meeting with a tour guide, financial aid officer, admissions officer, or professor.

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.

What grade should you start visiting colleges?

Students and parents should plan college tours starting in 9th grade. That should give high school students enough time during freshmen, sophomore and junior years to visit several different college campuses, take the official college tour, and narrow down their preferences and final college list before senior year.

How do you make a good impression on a college tour?

What are some benefits of going on college tours and visits?

It Can Help You Understand the Student Experience

You'll be able to talk to current students, faculty, and staff, see where the dorms and classes are, check out the food options, step into the library, and just explore the campus. You can also take a trip to the nearby city or town!