Choosing which colleges to tour in person is an important step in the college selection process. Visiting campuses can give you a sense of the environment and culture at a university that cannot be fully captured through virtual tours. However, due to time and budget constraints, students must prioritize their visits.
Here are key considerations for deciding whether to tour a college in person or virtually:
- Location: If a college is close to home or within a reasonable driving distance, it might be more practical to visit in person. For colleges far away, a virtual tour might be a better option.
- Interest Level: You should prioritize visiting colleges you are most interested in or have shortlisted as top choices. If a college is a “maybe,” a virtual tour may suffice initially.
- Program Specifics: If the college offers a unique program or major that you are particularly interested in, visiting in person can provide more insight into the facilities and faculty.
- Campus Atmosphere: Some students place high importance on the campus vibe and student life. If that is true for you, an in-person visit can help gauge these aspects more accurately.
- Financial Considerations: Touring multiple colleges in person can be costly. You need to weigh the cost of visits against your budget and consider virtual tours for more distant or less prioritized options.
Get the Help You Need Preparing a Balanced College List
College Planning Source is here to help! Get in touch today by calling 858.676.0700, or you can request your virtual assessment online. While you await your appointment, be sure to watch some of our how-to videos. For example, for more information on the topic you just read about, try this video: “College Campus Visits – How to Make the Most of Them.”
