How to Make the Most of Your Campus Tour
Katharina Lane
Katharina Lane
/
Katharina Lane
May 16, 2019, 4:05 PM
Videos and photos can give you some sense of a school’s campus life. But nothing can replace the feelings you experience when actually stepping foot on campus – especially if you instantly feel at home.
A campus visit can be one of the most important factors when deciding which colleges to apply to. These visits provide a glimpse into student life and give you a first-hand opportunity to see if a school is a good fit.
While students can visit campus at any age, a tour is most useful toward the end of your junior year and the summer before or fall semester of your senior year.
"The best time to visit college campuses are when classes are in session," explained Sara Bofferding, Director of Admissions at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. "This allows you to see what it’s like to be a current student. It also provides opportunities to observe classes, meet with a professor, chat with current students and get a sense of what the university has to offer."
Lean on the Admissions Office
Be sure to reach out to the admissions office when arranging your visit. Staff can help you maximize your time on campus and assist you with specific questions. Campus tour programs at Embry-Riddle let prospective students meet with the admissions teams during information sessions or one-on-one meetings.
Hit the Road
Your tour is scheduled, and you’re prepping for your visit. Make the most of your trip by doing research ahead of time. Bring a list of questions with you. Chances are you’ll meet other students who have the same questions. Remember, student tour guides were once in your shoes and can be a tremendous resource. After the tour, take a few minutes to grab a bite to eat and hang out with some students. Don’t be afraid to ask about clubs, residence halls, Greek life and anything else that may be on your mind.
Explore Your Surroundings
You won’t spend all of your time on campus once you get to college. Take a day or even a few hours to check out the surrounding area. Find the local tourism website to learn about things to do and places to eat. Visit some of these places while you’re in town and talk to the locals. Embry-Riddle students in Daytona Beach and Prescott have no shortage of places to discover.
Visit Virtually
If an in-person visit to campus isn’t possible, the next best thing is a virtual tour. Embry-Riddle campuses in Prescott and Daytona Beach can be explored online from the comfort of your own home. School social media accounts are also a great way to learn more about academics, extracurriculars and athletics.
"Explore as much as you can during your campus tour," Bofferding said. "Visiting a college campus is your opportunity to see if the school is a good fit and where you want to spend the next four years to get your degree."
Discover how you can tailor your campus visit at Embry-Riddle’s Prescott or Daytona Beach campus today!
Learn remotely
If you prefer an online learning experience, you can explore our online campus, which offers flexible scheduling, numerous degree programs and a personalized degree map to guide you during the process.