<p>Hi all,
I searched through the threads of College Confidential, but I couldn't find anything that gave an general outline on HOW to go about with college touring.</p>
<p>I'm an American citizen, but I live in Singapore. I haven't been back in the US in 10ish years so I'm pretty clueless about getting around and college touring.</p>
<p>How exactly do you plan these tours? Do we need to sign up for these tours beforehand?</p>
<p>Can anyone give me a basic overview?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>Here's an article from elsewhere on this website:
<a href="http://www.collegeconfidential.com/college_search/campus_visits.htm%5B/url%5D">http://www.collegeconfidential.com/college_search/campus_visits.htm</a></p>
<p>Usually, we call this college "visits", rather than touring. Check the websites for the colleges in which you are interested to find out when tours are offered, if reservations are suggested, if you should schedule an interview while you are on campus (especially check to see if an interview is required or recommended as part of the admission process). </p>
<p>A few years ago, my daughter and I planned a college tour road trip. There is a map of the US available with colleges marked on it (Professor Pathfinders US College and Universities Map, available at Amazon, etc.) which we used quite a bit, and were able to add colleges to our itinerary.</p>
<p>chi, we live in your area and had the same questions four years ago. </p>
<p>If you're like us, it won't be so easy to get back to the States after the acceptances come in so you really want to make the most of your visit. Try to devote one day to one school. </p>
<p>Many colleges have a "just show up" policy on tours. Some require advance reservations which you can make on the college website. Just go to Admissions and follow the prompts. </p>
<p>While you're on campus I'd suggest that you also attend the information session, spend some time walking around on your own, have a meal at the dining hall, see the town. Poke around the building that houses the department you're interested in. Read the bulletin boards. Visit the museums. Slow down and get a feel for the place.</p>
<p>If you are interested in a special academic or extracurricular area you may also want to meet with a professor or advisor or coach. Most colleges have instructions on line for setting up appointments.</p>
<p>Many colleges also offer on campus interviews. Again, you can make appointments in most cases on line. Or you can call. Those that do not offer campus interviews will often arrange an alumnus/a interview after they've received your application. </p>
<p>How you get from college to college obviously depends on where you're going. Once you have a list and time frame we can help you with the logistics.</p>
<p>Thanks for the tips!</p>
<p>I'm going to look at the websites now. :)</p>
<p>Also, if you'll be travelling on your own, there are some companies that do bus tours of various colleges, usually on the east or west coast for groups of students. They're not ideal because you don't get to pick which colleges you'll see, but they can be a good option if you want to see a variety of colleges by yourself. If you PM me, I'll look up the names I have in my file for some suggestions.</p>
<p>For what it's worth, I discovered earlier this year that you can often get discounts at hotels if you are in the area to visit colleges. Amtrak does reduced fares for college visitors, and at least in the Boston area (where I was), you can get reduced rates at hotels. Don't know how much that helps you, but it's something to ask about when you're making travel and lodging plans.</p>
<p>Thanks roughwinds, but we're staying with friends of friends of friends... lol@3rd degree mooching.</p>
<p>Hey, whatever works. :) Have a safe and fun trip!</p>