It’s long been conventional wisdom that the best way to really know if a college is right for you is to physically tour campus; meet students, professors and coaches in person and get a feel for the campus atmosphere. Thanks to COVID-19, the in-person campus tour may not always be an option. Enter the Virtual College Tour.
Tips for a successful virtual campus tour begin with the same tips to make the most of your in-person college visit: research the colleges you’re interested in, make arrangements with your admissions counselor to meet with a professor and/or coach, and come prepared with a list of questions to ask.
Research
In addition to exploring the college website, research the town or city the college is located. Is there a vibrant downtown? Are there restaurants, doctors, churches and things to do? Along with exploring the village’s chamber of commerce website, look it up on Google Maps.
Virtual campus tour
Many colleges will have a virtual tour on their website where you can explore campus at your convenience. Most of these virtual tours include photos, videos and descriptions, oftentimes connected to a campus map.
Social media
Follow the universities, clubs, sports and majors you’re interested in on social media. It’s a great way to learn more about your options and “meet” people.
Visit
This is all great preparation for the all-important visit, whether it be virtual or in-person.
Tips to make the most of the virtual college tour:
- If possible, use an iPad or computer/laptop for your virtual college tour. It’s really hard to see details on a 3 x 5-inch screen.
- Make sure you are in a quiet place where you can concentrate on your visit. (In other words, not at the kitchen table with your siblings distracting you.)
- Make arrangements with your admission counselor to meet with a professor or coach during your college tour, whether it is virtual or in-person. Have questions ready to ask each person you plan to meet.
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices to the top few, and if it’s possible, visit in person. Virtual is a good option in this time, but there’s nothing like actually walking across the campus that may become your home-away-from-home to get a true feel for the campus atmosphere.
At Bluffton University:
At this point, virtual and in-person college tours are offered at Bluffton. This may change dependent on COVID-19 spread in the community and on campus. Of course, group sizes are limited to allow for social distancing and facial coverings are required.
Learn more about visiting Bluffton University >