How to Decide Between A Virtual or an On-Campus College Tour

The Differences Between College Campus Tours and Virtual College Tours
As it turns out, first-time college-goers are applying to more schools, according to the National Association for College Admission Counseling. The group found in a 2018 report that more than 80 percent of first-time freshmen have applied to at least three colleges each year since 2013.Which Is Best?
We should note that not all colleges and universities have virtual campus tours, though most of the major ones should. And, know that there may be more than one virtual campus tour: the potential college may have produced its own, or you may be able to find several from private companies, like You Visit or CampusTours.College Visit Tips
College campus tours will come together if you plan, plan, plan. A good rule of thumb is to reach out to the college about two weeks before you would like to visit.1. Plan for a time when the campus is bustling.
It’s best to visit during the fall or spring when a university is at its busiest. Then, you’ll find student organizations lining main halls, on-campus events and more. Know, too, that some students may try to jam in all their courses from Monday through Thursday, days that may be better suited for your visit. You’ll also want to avoid any holidays or final exam weeks.
2. Do your homework.
Start a list of must-do and must-see things while you’re there. If you already know some of your child’s extracurricular interests, scope the club or organization out. If your child knows what he or she wants to major in, look into the academic department and find professors who are conducting research close to his or her interests. See if there are any other on-campus tours, such as those for residence halls.
3. Once you’ve got a tour time, square away your other interviews.
This is where all that homework comes in handy. It’ll give you a clearer picture of what you want to do and who you want to talk to. Now, all you have to do is contact the college or professors and schedule some one-on-one interviews!
1. Find student organizations on social media channels.
Teens are the always-connected generation. It’s probably safe to say that any college extracurricular groups will be online, whether it’s Facebook or Twitter. Look up the ones your child is interested in, and you may learn what types of events they hold, how often and more.
2. Get in touch with alumni.
Do you know anyone who is attending or has attended that college or university? Reach out to any alumni and get their take on their time there. If you don’t, try local alumni groups or find online groups associated with the school. If all else fails, contact the admissions office and ask for alumni contacts.
3. Reach out to professors via email or video chat.
Cold-emailing a professor may be a little nerve-racking, but it certainly doesn’t have to be. Your teen can simply state that he or she is a prospective student and interested in that professor’s line of work. From there, you can schedule a time to talk on the phone or via video conferencing.
