Visiting a college in person is the best way to experience its atmosphere. But if your time and money are in short supply, a virtual tour can be a useful way to explore whether a school will be a great fit for you.
Of course, virtual tours can present a limited view of an institution. So, if you cannot visit in person and must go this route, here are three tips to help you maximize your virtual tour experience.
[Go on a virtual college road trip.]
1. Locate alternate, student-produced viewpoints: Just as individuals with similar interests often join together, students at the same college or university often create their own online communities.
Facebook groups, Instagram pictures, Snapchat stories and Tumblr blogs can all provide you with a glimpse of authentic student life. Some schools even have groups on social media platform Reddit if you wish to read discussion threads on an array of topics.
Consuming these platforms without participating can allow you to observe the conversations that current students are having. This can be a great way to learn how students at a specific college or university feel about their campus and the surrounding environment, as well as how they spend their free time.
Even if you aren’t interested in sports, social media accounts devoted to a school’s athletic teams are one of the best ways to virtually meet students. You can also conduct a search to locate groups devoted to your favorite extracurricular activities or potential majors.
Don’t limit yourself to just reading — get involved and ask questions. For instance, if you’re wondering whether the dorms are as nice as the ones featured in the official virtual tour, ask current students; they will generally give better, more balanced answers than university guides.
[Read advice on getting the most out of college tours.]
2. Pair virtual campus tours with local alumni interviews: If you can’t visit a college, let the college visit you — specifically, find a local graduate of the school and ask if the individual will grant you a short interview.
Many alumni feel a strong connection to their alma maters, and they may welcome the opportunity to share their story with you. In contrast to the sometimes surface-level nature of social media, an interview with a graduate can provide you with a deep understanding of your potential experience at an institution.
If multiple alumni are in your area, look for one whose interests match yours. For example, if you are hoping to join a Greek organization in college, a former fraternity or sorority member may be a great choice. Likewise, a former science major may know a great deal about the school’s science programs and undergraduate research opportunities.
Many college admissions departments will help facilitate introductions with alumni. Alumni organizations may also assist you in this regard. Finally, the social media outlets previously mentioned may have a number of former students who would be open to an informal, in-person discussion.
Before meeting with alumni, research the college or university and prepare a list of specific questions. The virtual tour and school website should address basics like cost and relevant statistics, such as the graduation rate. Use the alumni interview to try and learn what it’s like to be a student at that college.
[Don’t ask these ineffective questions while on college tours.]
Be sure to also ask questions that are specific to that school, rather than ones you could ask about any college or university. If you are considering a large state school, you might ask whether the graduate ever felt lost or anonymous. How easy was it for the individual to speak with professors? What helped the graduate feel more at home?
If you are contemplating a smaller college, you might ask whether the graduate had access to modern laboratory equipment and engaged professors. Did he or she meet students from all walks of life or was the student body more homogeneous?
Be sure to follow standard interview etiquette: Arrive on time, dress professionally and send a thank-you note after the interview. Many alumni, especially those who are formally associated with the school, will report back to the admissions department about your conversation.
3. View several virtual college tours for the same school: While some institutions produce their own virtual tours, private companies have also made many online tours. As a result, multiple tours may be available, each with a somewhat different viewpoint.
This may be especially true for very large schools. After all, it can be challenging to cover all aspects of a large campus.
For example, Ohio State University–Columbus has a campus footprint covering nearly 1,600 acres and more than 44,000 undergraduates — any virtual tour could only cover a few highlights. However, multiple virtual tours are available for Ohio State University, including the one the school officially produced.
Remember that a single virtual tour is just a start. You have a range of tools available to help you understand the college community you hope to join. Four years is a long time to spend in one place, so cast a wide net with your research.
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3 Ways to Enhance a Virtual College Tour originally appeared on usnews.com
