Hi! I’ll be traveling to a couple of boarding schools to tour them, and I was wondering what the proper attire would be for the occasion. I was thinking of business casual, but it might be quite hot during these visits, and I wouldn’t want to be melting. Outfit recommendations would be very helpful. I was also wondering what some good questions to ask the guide would be. Thank you for reading this!
We unfortunately toured one school on a humid 96 degree afternoon, so a polo style shirt and khaki shorts were the only thing remotely comfortable/presentable. It was fine. My kid did not like that fabulous school. I think he was just cranky from heat. It happens. I say dress for the weather that day?
And remind your parents to let you engage directly with tour guide and ask your own authentic questions. It is likely that your student tour guide will report their impressions back to admissions staff. Best if they can describe you, not mum and dad! I had to muzzle myself and ask my questions later. That was tough!
My kid had practical questions about dorm life and food. Travel. Social activities. Does the place empty out on weekends. There is a lot of practical, academic info already on the websites. It’s okay if the tour is more about feeling the vibe of the place. You are a young teen and need to know if you can see yourself living there happily.
1 Like
I would wear what you would wear to a nice summer dinner - a sundress for girls or Khakis (shorts) and a polo for boys. Ask about fun traditions at the school, that always told my kids a lot about schools they were looking at.
2 Likes
Thank you! I’ll definitely be looking at the weather app frequently. I’ll also try to be as engaged as possible, starting the admission process on a good foot early is one of my biggest priorities!
Oooo adding that question to my list! Thank you so much!
Oooo adding that question to my list! Thank you so much! We’re there any particularly memorable answers?
Stop why’d it send twice 
As for questions, think about things that start a conversation and give you information about the culture of the school. Here are a few ideas…
- How did you meet the people who are your closest friends now?
- What has been your favorite class so far and why?
- If there was something you could change about the school, what would it be?
- How do you and others spend the weekends? What are the best ones? (I.e., big games, special tradition).
- What advice would you give me if I were a new student here and you were my peer advisor/prefect/teammate?
- What kind of person is happiest/most successful here?
You get the idea-- these are open-ended. Of course, ask things that matter to you, like “I play violin. Where are the practice rooms? Are they always open? Do I have to sign up?” etc.
While everyone gets a bit nervous about this, especially if there is a thought about feedback to the AO, you are the consumer!
4 Likes
For attire, I would consider the school’s dress code. Our school has a very formal dress code (collared shirt, jacket, dress pants, belt, dress shoes). Touring the school in shorts and a polo shirt might not be well received, even on a hot day. Many of the other schools we looked at had much more relaxed dress codes, and a polo shirt and shorts would be appropriate.
For questions of your tour guide, I agree with focusing on the tour guide’s experience at the school–what caused them to pick the school, what do they love about it, what has been the most challenging adjustment they have had to make, what has been the most surprising thing about their experience so far, etc.
1 Like
Hi! I’m currently debating on golf skirt (longish) and polo shirt or polo shirt and dress pants + converse which are whatever the school colour of the school I’m visiting is (converse are like my thing and I love incorporating them into my outfits). I checked the weather and most of my tours are going to be between 25-30 degrees Celsius (not entirely sure what that is in farenheit) so I’m really leaning towards the skirt at the moment. I’d love to get some advice on what choice might be the most appropriate!
I think it would depend on the length of the skirt - I wouldn’t wear it if it is shorter than you fingertips - that’s the general dress code rule at a lot of schools.
That would be hot in farenheit 
.
Relax. It’s a tour. Be comfortable.