Campus tours are an integral part of the college exploration and decision process, and one part I fondly remember enjoying with my family. As campuses reopen to in-person tours and visits, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Keep it simple. Do not feel pressured to make special, costly trips just for colleges. One suggestion Emily Oliver, Counselor, and AVID Coordinator at North Salinas High School, shares is that “if you’re traveling and have a few hours free, try to make time to visit a local campus, even if it’s not a campus the students had considered. You can start locally at Monterey Peninsula College, CSUMB, Hartnell College, UC Santa Cruz, or San Jose State University to get a feel for different types of campuses. Having that exposure and seeing what different campuses have to offer helps students understand what they are looking for in schools.”
Focus on your child. Let them take the lead with your guidance. The visit is a part of finding the right program and fit for your student to learn, grow, and thrive. Carli Peck, College, and Career Preparedness Coordinator at the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, suggests students ask themselves, “Can I see myself in this community, town, culture? Can I live in the region? Do I get a good feel on this campus? Do I see myself represented in the population?” to help find the right fit.
Go online. University websites offer the most up-to-date tours, restrictions, availability, and reservations. Online explorations can help narrow down which types of universities your student is interested in, especially if there are specific academic programs or fields your student is interested in pursuing. Emily Oliver explains that “virtual tours and resources are ways to learn about the campuses even if you cannot visit.”
Explore a range of colleges. Visit a range of colleges, including smaller campuses and private universities. Each setting and campus offers a unique experience and feel. “If your child has their heart set on a school, still go visit a range of universities to reassure your student and you that this is the right fit,” adds Carli Peck.
Be flexible. Students might change their perspectives after they start visiting campuses. As Carli Peck described, “what we noticed when we took students to campuses was that some of them shifted after visiting…[the university] might be different than what they present on paper.”
Embrace the journey. College can be a daunting decision and leap into independence. Debrief the visit and experience with your child, ask questions while on tours, and enjoy the adventure! “Take your time. Be there as long as you need to get as much information as possible,” adds Dr. Juan Mendoza-Romero, Author of My Personal University Advisor and Pupil Personnel Specialist at the Salinas Union High School District.
Regardless of the outcome, campus visits are a wonderful family experience and memory. Take pictures, bring siblings (it’s never too early or late), share your stories, and savor the moment. Your child will be leaving the nest soon, so make the most of your time together and help them find the right place for their next journey in life.
Denise Green has worked in education for over a decade, specializing in mathematics pedagogy and professional development. She, her husband, and their two children reside in the sunny hills off Highway 68.