What to See on College Tours

My family has offered to help me take a tour of the colleges that really interest me. When should I go? How do I prepare for these visits? -- College Bound
Answer: The purpose of a college visit is to see if it is a good fit for you. The best time to visit colleges is when students are attending classes (Monday through Friday). Avoid exam weeks, the first week of a semester (when things are just getting organized) and times when the admissions office is closed. Visits to regular sessions in late summer, early fall and spring break are good choices.
The more you know about what you want in a school, the better your visit will be. Before your visit, make a list of what you are looking for in a college, such as majors, class size, housing, sorority/fraternity life and activities. When you get back home, you can compare how well each of the colleges does in meeting your wish list.
Before a visit, you must also find out tour hours, get a campus map, make interview appointments and create a list of questions to ask at information sessions. Be sure to include questions in this list about the academic side of college life concerning how much reading and writing is required in freshman courses, the role of information technology and opportunities for honors classes. You will also find it helpful to talk to students, read the student newspaper and eat in a dining hall.