Longer days, fireworks stands, and the smell of barbeque testify to one central truth: summer is here! And as families finalize their vacation plans and ready themselves for road trips, they’re also wondering, “how can I squeeze some college visits into my itinerary?” (Well, if you’re anything like us, this question has definitely crossed your mind.)
Summer is a fantastic time to step onto some college campuses, especially if you can combine a family trip with a college visit or two. Who wouldn’t enjoy combining Shakespeare in the Park with a stop at NYU or Columbia, or hitting up GW and Georgetown before Independence Day fireworks on the National Mall?
That said, as our very own Kelsey Torosyan likes to say, “visiting a campus in the summer is like visiting the museum of that college.” You’ll see some interesting things and walk away with tons of great information…but it can all feel a little lifeless without that special ingredient that truly makes each school unique: the students.
So absolutely go on those summer tours, but keep in mind that if a campus feels a little quieter or more staid than you were expecting, there’s a good reason for that. And if your student falls in love with a particular college in summer, be sure to visit in the regular school year if possible before you commit to it.
Tip #1: Have a Game Plan
If your college visits will be a supplement to an existing family trip, think carefully about how and when your tours will fit into your itinerary. And if you’re doing a grand tour of the East Coast just to see colleges, you’ll still probably want to stop by a few tourist attractions along the way. Either way, having a plan will ensure you fit everything in, will allow enough time between stops to minimize rush and stress. You’ll want the time and breathing room to take it all in.
Tip #1a: Plan for Variety
If you have rising high school freshmen, sophomores, or juniors with you, it’s a good idea to see a variety of types of institutions. This will expose younger students to various types of schools—even if these aren’t the exact colleges they might actually consider applying to.
For example, if you’re going to be in the Philadelphia area, you could see UPenn as a mid-sized school, Haverford as a small, liberal arts college, and Drexel as a large(ish) university. Noting what attracts and repels your student at each type of campus can be helpful when constructing a college list later on.
Tip #2: Take an Official, Guided Tour
Especially because (most) students are absent in summer, taking a guided tour will offer you the chance to talk to one or two current students: your tour guides. Among other questions, be sure to ask your guide about the vibe during the school year, and how (if at all) the campus feels different during break.
Signing up for an official tour will also allow you to demonstrate your interest (for colleges that track that). For bonus points, be sure to send a “thank you” email to the Admissions Officer who led the information session (usually right before the tour starts). And let the AO know something specific about the college you connected with or found interesting. It’s best to do this within 24 hours of your visit.
Tip #3: …then Wander on Your Own
Each college campus is a magical place, and a 60-minute tour can only cover so much. If you have the time, explore a little on your own. Some colleges allow guests to eat in the dining halls–sample some of the food! If you didn’t already see the library, gym or other space you might spend time as a student, be sure to check those out before leaving.
Even if the campus is a little empty, your family will still likely run into some current students. Ask them what they like and dislike most about their school; find out what surprised them, and what they wish they had known about college in general.
Tip #4 Document Your Visit
It could be several weeks (or even a couple months!) from your college visit to the time your rising Senior sits down to write the “why our college” essay, and everyone’s memories of the trip will likely be a little hazy. Spend 10 minutes after your tour to capture first impressions, specific things you enjoyed (and didn’t enjoy!) about the campus. What was your favorite part of campus? What was the tour guide’s name? What was the most interesting part of the college’s history or traditions?
It’s especially important to record your thoughts if your family is touring multiple schools in one summer. After a while, the schools will start to melt together in your mind (“wait, did we see the engineering lecture hall at Boston College or Boston University?”)
While students should take the lead asking questions of the guide during the tour, parents can work “behind the scenes,” capturing pictures and videos to provide visual reminders to relive your experience later. This will also assist in disambiguating one campus from another!
Tip #5: Explore the Surrounding Area
No university exists in isolation–they are always part of a larger community. And the character, shops, restaurants, and activity of that surrounding community help shape students’ overall college experience. Spend some time surveying the college’s neighborhood to give your student a sense of where they’ll live, eat, and possibly intern during those four critical years. Does it feel safe? Are there public transit options if your student isn’t bringing a car to school? Does the area offer the leisure and academic opportunities your student will need to enjoy life?
Ultimately, summer visits provide an opportunity for parents to support and guide their college-bound students as they embark on an exciting journey. Keep an open mind, ask thoughtful questions, and encourage your child to take an active role in the process. With proper planning and a positive mindset, these visits can contribute significantly to the college selection process, helping your child find their best right-fit schools and set them on the path to success.
Already have travel plans on the books, but not sure which schools are best to visit for your child’s admissions profile? Schedule a complimentary Student Success Call. We’d be happy to weigh in!
And if you’re curious about the role of actions like tours and follow-up thank you notes (aka “Demonstrated Interest”) in the admissions process, don’t miss our upcoming event, Demonstrated interest: How to Show a College You’re Really Into Them.
Happy travels!
