College Discussion - View Single Post

Glacier · 05-02-2008, 08:02 AM

We have been on several tours between our two daughters. I apologize for the length but hope this will be helpful.

Adjust your tour to the weather - If it's inclimate out don't stand outside longer than necessary. We went on one tour recently and it was 9:00 a.m., windy and 15 degrees. The guides stood outside and pointed to different buildings and told us things about each. No one was listening because they were too cold and they could not hear because of the wind. It was like they were preprogrammed and did not want to adjust. They could have told us things inside and then pointed to them as we went by.

The next week we went on a tour and it was 60 degrees and it was great to be outside and our tour guide was great. My daughter chose this school and I know it had a lot to do with the tour.

As far as things left out of the tour ....Walk into some of the buildings so they can get a real feel for the school. Don't just point to them from the sidewalk. This is especially important on a weekend tours where there are few people on campus.

If you're doing a lot of walking pick an area for the group to sit down and rest and use it as a question and answer period. Possibly a time to use the restrooms and a water break. The best tours we went on did this. It doesn't have to be long - 5 to 10 minutes can really refresh everyone.

Try to put yourself in their place when you were an incoming freshman - what did you want to know? Have a sense of humor, speak loudly and clearly and enjoy yourself and others will enjoy the tour.

Remember, you are the face of the school and may be the deciding factor as to whether or not someone wants to attend.

A great brochure would have phone numbers (including toll free) for admissions, financial aid and housing, along with the hours for each on the front. Inside I would like to see school size, criteria for admission, tuition and housing costs, majors offered and deadlines for submitting forms. I think housing is so confusing - first you sign up when admitted and then you withdraw if you decide not to attend. This never seems to be stated clearly. It would be nice to have this all on one brochure instead of several.

Good luck to you!

05-02-2008, 08:02 AM	#17
Glacier New Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Threads: 2 Posts: 18	We have been on several tours between our two daughters. I apologize for the length but hope this will be helpful. Adjust your tour to the weather - If it's inclimate out don't stand outside longer than necessary. We went on one tour recently and it was 9:00 a.m., windy and 15 degrees. The guides stood outside and pointed to different buildings and told us things about each. No one was listening because they were too cold and they could not hear because of the wind. It was like they were preprogrammed and did not want to adjust. They could have told us things inside and then pointed to them as we went by. The next week we went on a tour and it was 60 degrees and it was great to be outside and our tour guide was great. My daughter chose this school and I know it had a lot to do with the tour. As far as things left out of the tour ....Walk into some of the buildings so they can get a real feel for the school. Don't just point to them from the sidewalk. This is especially important on a weekend tours where there are few people on campus. If you're doing a lot of walking pick an area for the group to sit down and rest and use it as a question and answer period. Possibly a time to use the restrooms and a water break. The best tours we went on did this. It doesn't have to be long - 5 to 10 minutes can really refresh everyone. Try to put yourself in their place when you were an incoming freshman - what did you want to know? Have a sense of humor, speak loudly and clearly and enjoy yourself and others will enjoy the tour. Remember, you are the face of the school and may be the deciding factor as to whether or not someone wants to attend. A great brochure would have phone numbers (including toll free) for admissions, financial aid and housing, along with the hours for each on the front. Inside I would like to see school size, criteria for admission, tuition and housing costs, majors offered and deadlines for submitting forms. I think housing is so confusing - first you sign up when admitted and then you withdraw if you decide not to attend. This never seems to be stated clearly. It would be nice to have this all on one brochure instead of several. Good luck to you! Last edited by Glacier : 05-02-2008 at 08:12 AM.