Make the most of college tours

By Alisson Clark

March 25, 2008, The Gainsville Sun

For teenagers contemplating the biggest decision of their lives thus far - where to go to college - campus tours offer their first glimpse of life beyond high school.

The time-honored road trip to visit college campuses even has its own spoof movie: In the new Disney comedy "College Road Trip," Martin Lawrence and Raven-Symone endure disaster and Donny Osmond on their way from campus to campus. To prevent your college tours from disaster - and to make the most of the time you have at each school - college admissions expert Katherine Cohen offers these do's and don'ts.

Do research on the school before you show up for the tour. "You want to avoid asking questions that are really obvious, things that are on the front page of the school's Web site," said Cohen, the founder of ApplyWise.com, an admissions-counseling site, and author of "The Truth About Getting In" and "Rock Hard Apps: How to Write a Killer College Application."

"Before the trip, the student - not the parent - should research the course offerings, the clubs and organizations, the opportunities for research, sports, whatever they do outside the classroom," Cohen said.

Don't ask all of the questions while your teen stands by silently. "Parents should accompany their kids, but once you get your child to the campus, take a back seat. Listen and absorb information, take notes and pictures," she said.

Cohen encourages students to take their own notes, as well.

"When you're seeing seven schools in five days, they tend to mesh together. Notes and pictures can help refresh your memory."

Do plan to attend an information session as well as a tour. "Often, the people doing the information session are on the admissions committee, and if your student is prepared and asking educated questions, that's impressive to the admissions staff. And it's a great way to kick off your tour, because you're not going in blindly, hearing the information for the first time."

Don't call it quits after the tour concludes. Cohen advises parents and students to spend some time on campus checking out the places they're likely to spend time, from the libraries and dining halls to particular areas of interest, be it squash courts or music facilities. She suggests asking the tour guide to point you in the right direction once the tour concludes.

Do explore the city beyond the campus. "If you volunteer in a hospital, you might want to check out the local hospital. Go see the places that are relevant to you. It will give you an idea what there is to do in the town."

Don't overtake the tour or info session with too many questions. Cohen suggests getting the email address of the tour guide and information-session leaders for follow-up questions. It's also a good idea to send a thank-you email if an admissions officer was particularly helpful in answering questions. Opening a dialogue with admissions staff can help get your student's foot in the door, Cohen said.

Do visit when school is in session, if possible. "It's not necessarily a mistake to go in summer, but it's not the best time. Summer tours are packed and there's not as much opportunity to speak to the tour guide, and you don't get to see what the school is really like if the students are gone."

Don't be shy about talking to strangers. "Plop down near a group of students having lunch on campus and ask them about student life, what students do on weekends, what they love or hate about the school," Cohen said. "Another great question to ask is, ââ,¬Ã²What do you wish you had known before you came here?' "

If your student is shy about approaching strangers, have him or her ask the high school guidance staff if any alumni have gone to that college and reach out to them before the tour. They may be the best source of information at how someone from your student's own background will adjust, Cohen said.

Do grab plenty of supporting materials to review later. Get a copy of the course catalogue (some are available online, or check at the college bookstore) and the campus newspaper. "The newspaper will give you a sense of what's happening on campus and what's important to the students at that school," Cohen said.

Don't try to pack too many schools into a day. Two colleges a day is optimal, Cohen said. "You can do a morning tour and have lunch at one, then do an afternoon tour and have dinner at the other," she said. "Trying to pack three campuses in a day is overwhelming."

Do book your tour in advance, rather than just showing up on campus. Check the school's Web site to find a day when tours and information sessions are offered and make a reservation, if recommended. Cohen recommends booking tours at least a month in advance.

Don't offer your opinions before you've listened to your child's. "When the tour is over, listen to your child before you say anything about the school. Parents have their own ideas and priorities, and sometimes they don't listen to the needs of their child. Once you've listened, then you can have a conversation where you discuss your opinion."