College Tour Tips: Questions You Should Be Asking

Are you ready for your college tours? Like, really ready?

The spring, summer, and winter holidays are great times to get outside of your usual routine and see colleges for yourself. That said, it’s not exactly a vacation where you can kick back. If you’ve already done the legwork to build a college list, decide which colleges to visit in person, and book the logistics of your travel — chances are, you’re a little overwhelmed from juggling all the details. (Maybe even more than a little.)

So, let us help!

We’ve got college visit tips and tricks organized for you. First, some general campus tour advice, and then a roundup of helpful college tour questions you didn’t know you needed to be asking. All you need to do is absorb it. Don’t just go through the motions on your college tours — maximize your time and discover the key questions to ask on your tour for honest insights into academics, student life, and your ideal university fit.

If you’re wondering what exactly you’ve gotten yourself into here, let’s start at the top.

College tours are approximately an hour of information led by a friendly docent (usually a current student or alumnus) who walks you through the campus and answers any questions you may have. The guide typically provides a helpful history of the place and highlights the major campus facilities. Some may be longer or shorter, or even have interactive elements, depending on the school traditions. Despite the small variances, though, these tours are a great way to learn more about what college life is like.

Most of all, though, there’s no better way to get a feel for the overall learning environment and culture of your top choices. College visits and events are also a great chance to ask individual questions that aren’t answered online or anywhere else.

Can’t visit in person? No problem. Many of these same questions like the best software courses to learn today, the best career opportunities for me, and more apply to virtual info sessions, live Q&As, or virtual campus tours. Just make sure to write them down and ask during the event or follow up with admissions afterward.

Ready to meet your future school? Here’s how you can prepare for success:

• Research the history of the college you are visiting.
• Explore the surrounding area and the nearby town. 
• Schedule or book your spot in an official tour.
• Figure out parking if you’ll need a car, or whether you’ll walk or use public transportation.
• Print a copy of any notes or note-taking materials you may need.

• Give yourself enough time to have a good breakfast.
• Plan to arrive a few minutes early, in case the location is difficult to find.
• Bring a small bag for loose items and wear shoes you can walk in.
• Depending on the weather forecast, you may want to bring sun protection and/or warm layers in case you spend significant time outside.
• Put your cell phone on vibrate (or silent) so you don’t accidentally disrupt a lecture hall or library with a loud ringtone during the tour. And make sure it’s charged.

• Review your notes and record any other personal observations from your day.
• Reflect on your honest reactions to the campus while the memories are fresh.
• Discuss and debrief your visit with a counselor for a balanced perspective.

Remember to conduct yourself in a professional and respectful manner, and you can make a great first impression on your future home!

Great, so the tour is valuable. What exactly do I need to be asking?

First and foremost, we weren’t kidding about the “do your research” part. It’s really important. On your tour, you’re going to want to avoid asking questions that are easily answered with an internet search or by looking directly on the college’s website.

Here’s a good video explanation of what to avoid bringing up:

So save those types of questions for your research beforehand. Once you get there, here are the questions you should be asking instead.

1. How does your advising help students explore interdisciplinary majors or design their own programs?
2. Can you share examples of students who created unique research or academic projects here?
3. How does your school support students who come in undecided and want to explore options? 

1. How accessible are tenured faculty to undergraduates, especially in my field of interest? 
2. Are there formal faculty mentorship or advising programs starting freshman year?
3. How early can I begin research, internships, or hands-on projects in my field?

1. What are some common traits you see in students who thrive here?
2. What are some campus resources that students often underutilize but would benefit from?
3. How does your school measure student happiness or well-being on campus? 

1. Can you share where recent graduates in my intended major are now working or studying?
2. What companies or organizations regularly recruit directly from campus? 
3. How involved are alumni in mentoring or hiring current students?
4. What percentage of students complete internships before graduation? 

1. How is the campus supporting first-generation, international, and transfer students?
2. What specific initiatives are in place to foster an inclusive, welcoming campus environment? 
3. How accessible are mental health, counseling, and wellness services for students? 

1. What upcoming changes, new programs, or campus improvements is the school excited about?
2. How has enrollment changed over the past 5 years, and how is that shaping class sizes or campus resources?
3. How has the campus evolved recently, and where is it headed next?

1. What are some of the things that help a student’s application stand out to your admissions team?
2. Are there any unique qualities or values your admissions team looks for that may not be obvious from the website?
3. How do you review demonstrated interest, and how much does it factor into admissions decisions?

On the tour or at the event, keep your eyes and ears open. You may be able to pick up on things that no one directly talks about, but indicate areas of concern for potential students. For instance: 

• Students seem disengaged or won’t make eye contact
• Common areas are empty during the daytime hours of school
• Tour guides dodge or gloss over tough questions
• Professors or staff seem unavailable during office hours

Of course, while one red flag doesn’t mean you should rule out a school entirely, a pattern is worth investigating.

Finally, you may have the opportunity to chat with currently enrolled students about their experiences. If that’s the case, here are some valuable conversation starters: 

1. What surprised you most after you started here? 
2. What kind of student thrives here? Who struggles?
3. Are professors truly accessible outside class?
4. Do you feel the administration listens to student concerns?
5. How easy is it to get the classes you want?
6. What’s one campus “secret” most visitors don’t know?
7. Do students mostly stay on campus on weekends?
8. What’s the academic pressure culture like here? (collaborative vs. cutthroat)

And, of course, you can hardly go wrong with the classic: “How’s the food?”

Parents: on these tours, your presence is important, but let your student lead. Give them space to ask their own questions, but also model curiosity and support. Afterward, reflect with them, not for them, by asking what stood out or what felt “off.”

Don’t worry about it. You can download a nice, pretty version of all these questions to print off and take with you, or screenshot and use again later. Download your free PDF below!

• Confirm tour time and RSVP
• Research 2–3 unique facts about the school
• Prepare 3–5 personalized questions
• Wear comfortable shoes
• Bring water, weather gear, and a notebook
• Take photos and jot down impressions right after

On a college tour, high school students might get the first glimpse of what life as an adult will actually look like — and sound like, and smell like! It’s an undeniably exciting opportunity, and you’ll want to remember all of it. 

As you travel, remember to take breaks and rest often. Tensions and stress on these kinds of high-stakes trips can strain family relationships, so do your best to stay calm and enjoy the experience together (rather than butting heads). And don’t freak out if you don’t have a magical feeling of “home at first sight,” either, says Thyra Briggs, vice president for admission and financial aid at Harvey Mudd College in California.

“I just don't think that happens for most students,” she says, in conversation with US News. “I don't want students to walk away from a visit where that didn't happen thinking, ‘Oh, this is not the place for me.’ This is a long-term relationship. It's not necessarily love at first sight. … In this age of instant gratification, I think it's an important thing to give a school a chance to affect you in a different way.”

Instead? Take notes, snap pictures, and let your mind wander.

Now, you know exactly how to prepare for a great college tour (and what to avoid). Today, we talked about what you can expect on a college tour these days and why they are important in the college admissions process. Finally, we reviewed a roundup of great questions to ask while on your college tours to ensure you get the most out of your visit. Don’t forget to download your free copy of our college tour checklist for easy reference.

And, if you’re still looking for more support with this entire college process, Empowerly is always here to help you thrive. We want to give you the tools you need to find the best possible college and future for you! Book a consultation with our team to learn more about the Empowerly approach to college and how our counselors could help you.