5 Things to Look for in a College Tour

Spring is the best time of year for high school juniors and their parents to visit college campuses around the country. Whether you drive, take the train or fly, here are 5 important things to look for on campus:

1. Setting – Sign up in advance with the admissions office for an information session and tour. As you tour the campus, take a good look around you. Do you feel comfortable? Does the size of the campus appeal to you? How about the location (urban, suburban, rural)? Are the buildings well maintained? Are the facilities (labs, athletic facilities, libraries, student centers) up-to-date? Most of all, how are the dorms? Are they new and inviting, or run-down and depressing? Is it important to you to have big box stores like Target or Bed and Bath nearby? How about nightlife? Where do students spend their time partying? Is there a college town? Do they go into a nearby city or stay on campus?
2. Academics – Do your research before you visit. If you are fairly certain of the major you are interested in pursuing, make sure the school offers it! If you are uncertain of a major, visit colleges that offer many different concentrations and majors. Ask questions about average class sizes, the grading system and whether classes are taught by professors or by graduate assistants. Also ask about the school’s retention rate (the percentage of students who return after freshman year), and their graduation rate (the overall percentage of students who graduate, and the average length of time it takes these students to graduate). Check whether students can easily register for the classes they need to graduate, or have financial cuts made this difficult?
3. Student Clubs –Student clubs are a great way to really get involved on a campus. Whether it’s a large university or a small college, there are student-run clubs for almost every conceivable interest—business, law, theater, architecture, music, volunteering, government, cultural, religious, Greek life, etc. Ask about clubs geared to your interests.
4. Costs of Attendance/Financial Aid – What is the total cost to attend (this includes tuition, room, board and miscellaneous fees)? How does this number compare to the average net price that students pay? The average net price is the cost after grants and scholarships (financial aid that you don’t have to pay back) are subtracted from the institution’s total cost of attendance. What types of jobs are available on campus for work/study?
5. Miscellaneous – There is so much more to look for and question when you are on a college tour!  Ask about safety on campus, mental health facilities, career planning, study abroad programs, support services for learning difference students, school spirit, honors courses, research opportunities…the list might seem endless--but the importance of touring is clear. Time spent now, taking a tour and asking questions, will pay off later when it’s time to choose which college is a perfect fit for you!

For more information on college tours and the college admission process, contact:   Felice Kobrick - (516) 587-0600,  kobrickconsult@aol.com, or go to: www.kobrickcollegeconsulting.com