Parent's Guide to Campus Tours

It's a new year -- and time to get serious about the college search if your child is a junior. When you're making plans for the spring, consider scheduling some campus tours. Checking out the colleges your child is interested in is a great way to jumpstart the college selection process.

This type of trip is fun and informative, but most of all it can transform the college search from theory into reality. Also, no amount of research can give you the sense of "fit" that a real, in-person visit can provide.

Aside from the obvious information gathering, networking opportunities and possible early enrollment benefits, your family's college tour can give you a bonding opportunity with your child at a critical crossroad in your relationship. You will spend much of your time together talking about their hopes, dreams, and what they value for their current life and future.

How can you make the most of your visits? Commercial group tours to campuses are a growing trend and a great option, because the tour organizers make all of the arrangements. But many students still hit the road with their parents. That's because you'll see and hear things that your student may not.

Parents also will think of important questions that students may not consider. And, of course, it can be fun for children and parents to compare notes on what they've found out. Everyone likes a "second opinion" when they're making a big decision.

Both group and private family tours should involve a review of the academic and the social aspects of the campus, since there's more to college life than academics. You and your child will be able to determine what things are important in your tour based on your child's priorities and goals.

There are some things you should be sure to check out: residence halls, if your child is interested in living in a dorm; the library; academic buildings, including lecture halls and smaller seminar rooms.

The rest of your schedule will be largely determined by your child's interests. They may want to have a look at the gym, the food services or the availability of off-campus transportation. One of the most important steps to a successful visit is simply walking around getting a sense of the atmosphere on campus.

You'll also want to talk with admission and financial aid officers. It's a good idea to make a list of relevant questions before you go. Try brainstorming with your high school junior before the tour.

Many campuses offer prospective students the opportunity to spend a night in the dorms. Some schools offer college recruitment weekends. The events are designed to be a fun way to give participants a brief look at nearly every facet of the school. These programs are definitely worth investigating when your child is a junior.

If a road trip isn't an option, a school's website can offer a lot of valuable information. Many of these sites include virtual tours of the campus. CampusTours.com indicates that these are simply electronic presentations developed by schools to promote their institutions.

Another way to experience a campus from your own home is with a videotape or DVD. Some companies sell videos and DVDs of student-guided campus tours, and you can also request them for free from some colleges. Check with the admissions office to find out if the college of your choice offers these virtual tours.

You may not get all of your questions answered through an in-person or virtual tour. If that's the case, make contact with admissions counselors again. Ask them questions over the telephone or via a written letter or e-mail.