Plan a College Visit to Find My Perfect College

Do I need this EduGuide?

Yes, if you are a high school student who wants to attend college. To get the most from a college tour, you've got to plan your college visit carefully. Read on for ideas that will help you gain the greatest benefit from your college tours.

How does it work?

Quizzes help you know where you stand.

• You know you need to tour colleges, but is now the right time? Answer this question by taking the “Am I Ready for a College Visit?” quiz.

Articles give you the background information you need to make a decision.

• If you don’t know exactly what to expect from a trip to campus or how it can help you make a tough college decision, read "How a College Visit Can Help Me Decide What College Is Right for Me".

Real Life Stories tell the actual experiences of real parents and real kids.

• “Real Life Story: How College Visits Helped One Student Find His Dream College” College student Earl Matthews explains the importance of college visits.

ShortCuts help you take immediate action. Choose one or go through them all.

• “Choose the Type of College Visit That Works for You" Learn the pros and cons of four popular options.
• "Twenty Questions to Ask during a College Visit (Plus Nine Annoying Questions Your Parents Should Ask)" Feel the embarrassment but ask the questions anyway.
• "How to Get More from a College Tour" Visit the restrooms, and some other good tips.
• "Take a Virtual College Tour" When you can’t leave home, you can still get a feel for campus.
• "Ten Questions for Commuter Students to Ask on a College Visit" How to find out if a college is commuter friendly.

What will I learn?

• What to expect from different types of college visits
• What questions to ask on a college tour and what questions your parents should ask
• Where to find Web sites where you can take a virtual college tour
• How other students chose their dream college
• What questions a commuter student should ask when looking at schools

Quick Solutions

• What can I do in fifteen minutes? Find out if you’ve done the necessary background work to take a college tour by taking the quiz "Am I Ready for a College Visit?" Call a college admissions office and schedule a personal visit. Review the ShortCut “Twenty Questions to Ask During a College Visit” so you feel prepared and confident when you take a campus tour.
• What can I do in an hour? Research far-away colleges on your dream list online through virtual college tours. Talk with your parents about the things you are looking for in a college so that you are all on the same wavelength during your college search.