COLLEGE TOURS
Making the most of college tours
BY MEAGHAN MCGOLDRICK
‘Tis the season for that college visit.
Whether it’s close to home or across the country,
make the most of each college tour this summer,
no matter what number it is on your tops list.
PAY ATTENTION
This may sound like common knowledge, but
you’d be surprised. Look up from your phone –
in fact, put it away for the afternoon – and listen
to your tour guide. (Be serious. Are you really
listening?) Most importantly, don’t check out just
because you’re tired, hungry or not feeling the
school yet. Interact with the school.
“Ask the tour guides why they chose their
school,” said Andrew Hastings (Iona College, ’13),
a former tour guide who went on to become an
admissions counselor and recruiter for his alma
mater. “It gives you an idea of what to look for on
campus and sometimes the guide was in the same
position you are.”
HAVE AN OPEN MIND
You’re not going to like everything about one
school – and there’s no perfect school. Just
because you don’t like something doesn’t mean
that school doesn’t have anything to offer you.
“No matter how perfect a place seems, you’re
going to have really hard days and really great
days,” said J.P. Catalanotto, a college junior. “Don’t
look for the place with the best campus or the best
programs – look for the place that’s going to foster
the possibility of you becoming the person you’re
doing your best to be some day.”
ASK QUESTIONS
Don’t limit your conversation to your tour
guide. Wander off a bit and ask some students
(who aren’t getting paid or being forced to lead
you around) what they think about the school –
honestly. Ask whatever comes to mind – and don’t
censor yourself. (What made you decide this was
the right school for you? Do you still like it? How is
the nightlife? How good is the food?)
Don’t be afraid to approach the staff, either. “Sit
down with a school counselor afterwards if you
can,” said Hastings. “Get business cards, too, so
you can keep in touch.”
TAKE NOTES
Odds are, this isn’t the only college you’ll be
seeing this summer – or this year. Take notes –
and pictures -- so you remember what traits each
college had (good or bad). This will help you grasp
those details not listed on the school site.
“You can look up all the facts and buildings on
campus but the tour guides are the difference,”
said Hastings. “They can relate to the student
and convey that intangible feeling that a campus
provides when it’s the right fit for a student.”
Compile notes at the end of your college
adventure, and compare and contrast. Weigh your
options. The stakes are too high to think that’s the
campus with the free meal plan you liked.
TRUST YOUR GUT
Leave expectations at home when you check out
schools this summer. Don’t visit a bigger school
with your heart set on a small one. Give each and
every tour you take a fighting chance, and trust
your gut on this one – it’s often right.
QNS.COM
8 SUMMER 2017