College tours are a great opportunity for students (of any age) to get a first hand look at what life on campus is all about. They can heavily persuade or discourage, which is why they are crucial to making one of the biggest life changing choices. As you and your child prepare for college tours, have open conversations and prepare to get answers to six key questions: who, what, when, where, why, and how. We want to share a few tips and questions for you and your child to think about as you prepare for the next college visit. Be sure to keep these questions in your back pocket (literally, print them and take them with you).
Parents, when going on college tours, allow your child to ask the questions!
As you make way onto a new campus, let your child speak up and ask the questions they want to know! Remember, there is a possibility that they will be living and growing there for multiple years, so it’s important that they are invested and interested in their potential new home away from home.
Students, see if you can visit a college classroom or even talk to a professor. Here are some questions to ask professors:
What are some of the skills that students can develop before college that help them thrive as freshmen here?
What are some of the strengths of successful college students?
Parents, talk to college admissions representative and other leaders!
Do you enjoy being a college student here?
How safe do you feel on campus?
How does the school ensure my child's success?
What resources and opportunities exist on campus for my child?
Students, you can talk to other student leaders about their journey to becoming a well-rounded leader on campus.
What is student life like here on campus? How can I get involved on campus?
What opportunities exist for me to grow as a well-rounded student?
Are there opportunities for me to study abroad, to work on campus, to volunteer, or for me to lead?
What opportunities exist here for me to continue developing skills in areas that I am passionate about or my future career?
Students and parents, do your research on the college’s website or while on campus to learn and ensure you understand prerequisite requirements, such as:
GPA requirement
SAT/ACT score requirements
Prerequisite courses (if your child is in middle school, they may be able to earn credits early for high school courses)
Extracurricular Involvement and Leadership
Before wrapping up your college visit, talk to the admissions representative about these really important topics:
Your Transcript: Ask them to them look at their current transcript to confirm you’re enrolled in courses that are required for admissions
The Admissions Process: Ask them to explain the role of strong teacher recommendations, and a resume that highlights their strengths, skill sets, and extracurricular activities
Social Media Presence: Ask them about their tips for social media presence, Linkedin, etc.
The College Application: Find out what the college application requires and the qualities of strong applications.
As you’re preparing your child for college, keep in mind that The School of Gifted Minds offers college coaching, high-impact tutoring, workshops, and academic coaching for students in grades 3-12 and college! Learn more and connect with us through our website www.theschoolofgiftedminds.org. We look forward to hearing about your tour experience and what you have learned about the school, as well as yourself, in traversing through the hurdles of finding the school that suits you!
