Touring colleges can be a stressful process for many high schoolers who do not know exactly what they are looking for in a higher education institution. In-person and virtual tours offered by colleges tend to be short and general, making it difficult for a student to decide where they might be interested in spending the next four years of their life.
But it's important to look beyond the tours and information on the website, to understand the aspects of college that will actually shape your college experience. Here are the top tips to help you determine whether or not a college is right for you.
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Get notified of top trending articles like this one every week! (we won't spam you)Observe the Students
It's important to observe students around campus, either in person or in the background of virtual tours and photos. Where are most students located β big grassy quads, campus commons, the library? This can give you a sense of the center of student life, and where you might be spending time if you end up attending the college.
In addition, focus on what most students that you can observe are doing, and how they are acting β do they seem stressed, happy, relaxed? There will be a mix of all types of students but take note of any common themes. At some colleges I toured, I noticed that the majority of students in common areas were sitting alone, studying, while at others most students were socializing and relaxing.
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Read the Student Newspaper
Be sure to pick up a copy of the student newspaper or look at its website. The newspaper can show you what events are happening around campus, as well as what is most interesting to students at the college.
For example, when I read student newspapers at bigger colleges with Division-1 sports, I noticed that much of the news focused on athletics, because they are a large part of student life. If the paper highlights any recent or upcoming events that align with your interests, the college could be a good match for you in terms of extracurricular activities and social life.
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Check Out the Surrounding Area
Walk around the streets surrounding the college campus or tour them through Google Maps. Is the land immediately next to campus a residential, agricultural, or commercial area? A residential or agricultural area surrounding the college could provide campus with a quiet, isolated feel, whereas having commercial areas nearby could offer a livelier campus atmosphere.
Additionally, pay attention to how close various services are, including restaurants, convenience stores, movie theaters, and hair salons. The availability and affordability of these types of amenities will shape how and when you go off campus. Take note of whether or not you see students out in the areas surrounding campus, and if so, what they are doing.
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Watch the Weather
If you can, visit a college or look at pictures online during what you consider the worst weather or season. That may be in the cold winter, during the rainy season, or during a heat wave.
Consider what kinds of weather the college most frequently experiences, and how it compares to weather you are used to. Could you enjoy the college during this weather, and how could you use the campus during that time?
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Look Around Campus
Although it seems superficial, the look of a campus is an important factor to consider when thinking about colleges. Think about what you envision when you think of college, and where you imagine yourself spending time.
When I picture my ideal college, I think of old, historic buildings and big, grassy quads. Although campus looks are not the only factor in my college search, I take my preferences into consideration.
Can you picture yourself at the college, considering the green spaces and the architecture and layout of campus buildings? While not the most important factor in choosing a college, campus looks will influence your general mood and daily motivation if you end up attending the school.
Conclusion
When touring colleges, it's important to pay attention to the factors that will actually shape your college experience β student life, events, weather, surrounding area, and campus looks. By examining these aspects of a college campus, whether in-person or through virtually, you can determine whether or not a college is right for you.
