How to Plan a College Tour in 12 Easy Steps

Plan a college tour with your teen that is exciting rather than an overwhelming experience. Visiting campuses in person helps your child get a feel for the environment, assess academic programs, and imagine themselves as a student there. To make the most of your college visits, follow this step-by-step guide.

university entrance arch — *How to plan a college tour. Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com*

Before the Tour

1. Make a List of Colleges

Start by working with your teen to create a list of potential schools. Consider factors such as location, size, academic programs, extracurricular activities, and campus culture. If your teen is undecided about a major, look for schools with a wide range of strong programs.

2. Schedule Visits in Advance

Many colleges offer guided tours, information sessions, and meetings with professors or students. Check their websites and book these experiences early, especially during peak times like spring and summer breaks. This ensures a structured visit and an opportunity to ask questions directly to admissions staff.

3. Group Schools by Region

If you’re visiting multiple schools, plan your route strategically to minimize travel time. For example, if your teen is interested in schools in the Northeast, map out visits to several campuses in the same trip. Avoid overpacking the schedule to allow time for reflection and discussion.

4. Research Each School

Encourage your teen to research each college before visiting. Review their academic programs, student organizations, housing options, and career services. Together, create a list of questions to ask tour guides, admissions representatives, and students.

5. Consider Virtual Tours First

If traveling isn’t feasible, many schools offer virtual tours and online information sessions. These can help narrow down choices before committing to an in-person visit.

woman in yellow jacket holding books — *Plan a college tour. Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com*

During the Tour

6. Take Notes and Photos

After visiting multiple campuses, details can blur together. Take notes on your impressions, key statistics, and standout features. Encourage your teen to jot down their thoughts and snap photos of important landmarks, dorms, and classrooms.

7. Ask Questions

Don’t be shy about asking questions. Some useful ones include:

What are the most popular majors?
What types of internships or job placement services are available?
What is campus safety like?
What’s a typical day like for students?

8. Explore Beyond the Official Tour

While official tours provide valuable insights, take time to explore on your own. Visit the library, sit in the student union, eat at the dining hall, and observe student interactions. If possible, talk to current students to get their candid opinions on life at the school.

9. Check Out the Surrounding Area

A college isn’t just about the campus—it’s also about its location. Explore nearby neighborhoods, restaurants, shopping centers, and transportation options. Consider how accessible the school is from home and whether the surrounding area feels safe and welcoming.

After the Tour

10. Debrief with Your Teen

After each visit, take time to discuss first impressions. What did they like or dislike? How did the campus make them feel? Encourage them to compare notes and reflect on whether they can picture themselves thriving there.

11. Rank the Colleges

Once multiple visits are completed, help your teen create a ranking based on their priorities, such as academics, campus culture, extracurricular activities, and affordability. This helps streamline the decision-making process when application season arrives.

12. Follow Up

If a school stands out as a top choice, encourage your teen to take additional steps, such as attending virtual Q&A sessions, connecting with current students, or scheduling an overnight stay if the college allows it. Sending a thank-you email to admissions representatives or tour guides is also a great way to demonstrate continued interest.