If you need to set a schedule, just sign up for a tour and information session where you want to visit. You will get very sufficient information asking these. And they might fit your schedule better.
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Some students find they strongly prefer one size/locale over the others. You don’t need to visit your exact target schools to figure this out. During the spring of 11th grade or early fall of 12th grade—when colleges are in full swing—just visit a local example of a large state school, a midsize university, and a small college. Feeling the difference firsthand can help narrow down where to actually apply.
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Thanks. Yes, we have a sense of what she prefers. I was asking about whether the open house vs normal tour experience varies based on size of school.
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Thanks. I have a feeling that’s what will play out but I appreciate all the insights from other parents here!
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From our experience a majority of open houses are on the weekend. We found visiting the schools when they are in session on a typical class day was more insightful and less “staged”.
We found that at some of the open house tours you had a better opportunity to meet faculty in the department that you were interested in. Also, the food was better!
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Open House days provide so much more information and the opportunity to get more insight for potential majors by talking to different representatives for that major/department. You get a better sense of school spirit. Regular tours are good for seeing the typical vibe on campus, especially if it is during the week when classes are in session (not during spring break, Christmas break, or summer). We saw some gloomy students and just a gloomy vibe at some schools during the week that immediately turned us off.
When visiting, here are some things to consider when comparing colleges: How to Compare Colleges Side by Side | Collegiate Concierge
For one child, we combined both and arranged meetings with the departments she was interested in on a Friday, and the open house was on Sat. The Saturday had a ‘fair’ with tables with departments promoting their programs, swag, clubs, activities. It had campus tours and meetings for parents about finances while the students had break out sessions about other things. And the students got a ticket to the football game that afternoon (parents had to buy a ticket). Really fun.
Other child when to an open house after she already knew she was going to that school, but it was still fun and she learned a lot about the different options in engineering and about clubs and activities that she didn’t get on the first visit, which was an athletic recruiting visit with tours and some general info.
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Go when you can. If everything is set up for you, it’s easier.
But if it doesn’t work, you can still get academic and club visits on your own, which we did many times. So I would not alter your life just to make one.
And if you do too many, some kids burn out - just like they do on info sessions.
Good luck.