When your dream college is across the country, it may not be possible to sit in on a class, eat in the cafeteria, and hang out in a dorm room. But you can still get a good idea of what the campus is like through a virtual college tour.
Thanks to the Internet, it has never been easier to check out prospective colleges online. And you won’t just find an online version of the college brochure. Look for the following on the Web sites of the colleges you’re considering:
- Slide shows
- Video tours
- Interviews with students and faculty
- Webcams
- Audio clips
Want more? Search for college information, videos, and student and alumni groups on:
There are also Web sites specifically designed to provide future college students with a virtual glimpse of hundreds of colleges and universities. Find tour videos, maps, photos, interviews, and more on:
Finally, if you have questions, e-mail someone at the college. On most college Web sites, you can find e-mail addresses for admissions counselors, financial aid representatives, professors, and sometimes even students and alumni. Most will be happy to answer any questions you have. Some college Web sites even have live chat features where you can converse with a college staff member through instant messaging.
And don’t forget to visit the Web site for the community in which your desired college is located. Convention and visitors’ bureaus and city Web sites can tell you what kinds of restaurants, entertainment, and future employers are close to campus.