Things You'll Need:
- Money for travel expenses
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Step 1
Schedule a tour when class is in session: If possible, try not to schedule a campus tour on the weekend-especially in the morning. Most college students are still sleeping. The best way to see what a campus is really like is during the week when class is in session. Observe the students as they walk around campus.
* What are they wearing? Birkenstocks and dreadlocks? Polo shirts and deck shoes? Sweats and flip flops? Skinny jeans and retro tees? A little bit of everything? Ask yourself if this is a place you would feel comfortable in.
* What's the level of student interaction? Are people congregating outside of buildings before and after class? Are students smiling at passer-byers? Are they holding doors for others? Are they walking with their heads down? With cell phones? Think about how you would interact with others and if this is a place you would enjoy.
* How do students get to class? Are they walking? Biking? Skate boarding? Are there university-provided shuttles? How often do they come? Look closely at campus building proximity since you will be spending a lot of time traveling between dorms and class. -
Step 2
Ask a random college student candid questions: During or after your tour, feel free to approach a college student and ask them open-ended questions about their college. They were in your shoes a few years back and, more than likely, will be happy to chat with you. Don't worry about feeling stupid; if anything, you will look the opposite. They may have wished they asked more questions before they chose that college. Just make sure you do the talking-not your parents. Ask them how they like the campus, how are their classes, what is the student body like, what do they do on the weekends, etc. Try to grab a student that is not in a hurry and only take about 5 minutes time. If the discussion went well, see if they'd be willing to give you an e-mail address for any follow-up questions.
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Step 3
Talk with other high school students on your tour: It may sound silly, but on most tours, high school students stick to their families like its the first day of kindergarten. To get the most out of the tour, talk to your peers. Be the first, chances are they will be relieved to chat. Ask questions about other colleges they have visited, colleges they are applying to, and financial concerns you both may share. Who knows, they may have older brother and sisters that have already gone through the process and some advice to share. When you return home, be sure to "Facebook" friend the kids you met; this is a great way to form an online support group when you start applying to schools.
