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High school seniors all over the country use the next couple of months to narrow down their College choices, making fall prime-time for college open-houses. The problem is, guided group tours and open house dates mean you'll be seeing what college administrators and trained tour guides want you to see -- after all, they're attempting to sell their school to you.

To get the most out of your college visit, learn how to look beyond the serene settings and scripted tours with these insider tips.

Ask the Right Questions
"The biggest mistake tour guides make is that they don't communicate their mission very well," says Todd Hoffman, executive director of campus visit, an organization offering college tour/vacation planning assistance in Philadelphia and Boston. In many cases, he says, tour guides need prompting to successfully explain what makes their college special or, what they have to offer that others don't.

"Get the tour guide talking about other things besides what their supposed to say," Hoffman says. "Ask what they like or dislike most about the campus." By doing so, he says, it's helpful to you and the people on the tour.

"Also be aware that the tour guide can have a limited perspective," says Jessica Kennedy, 19, a student and tour guide at the University of Pennsylvania. "Don't just rely on him or her for information."

Talk to the Right People
"Personal interaction will allow you to learn more," says Jodi Buyyounouski, director of on-campus programs at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. "Speak with as many students as possible."

Buyyounouski suggests asking students questions you can't find the answers to in a view book. "Come prepared with questions that dig deeper than the surface," she says. "Ask a student to describe an interesting experience they had at the school, or something memorable that happened to them as a student there." By conversing with others, you will better understand what life as a student there might be like.

Speaking with coaches, professors, and counselors, will give you a glimpse of your academic life. "Ask questions like, 'What teaching methods do you use in class?' and 'What is the schools' academic philosophy?"'

Visit the Right Places
After the tour, Hoffman suggests to split up from your Parents and take time to become familiar with the campus. Give yourself ample time alone and get acquainted with the campus grounds. "Go back to places you want to see and look at them more closely," Hoffman says. "If you like computing, go into the computer lab, and if you like science, go to the science lab."

The library, Cafeteria, fitness center, fraternity and sorority houses, and conference halls are also good places to visit to help you decide how comfortable you'll be on that campus.

"Make sure the campus is right for you," Jessica says. "You should be able to grow from the other students there."

For more information on college open houses, and campus tours, visit www.onebigcampus.com.


http://www.collegesurfing.com/blog
Dawn Papandrea is the Managing Editor of The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school that's right for you.

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