Counseling Department
Bethel Virtual Academy
Why?
Visits Show Interest
Visiting is a great way to show interest in a specific institution. Colleges are looking for students who are more likely to enroll if admitted. Some colleges even track whether or not students have visited.
Get In-Depth Details Direct from the Source
Students need to research colleges thoroughly in order to create a balanced list of best-fit schools. School websites are a great start, but touring a campus is better. Tours and information sessions provide an opportunity to ask questions, explore the campus, and learn what sets the college apart. Other beneficial activities could include: sitting in on a lecture, eating at an on-campus dining hall, or staying overnight with a current student.
Adapted from IvyWise. See full article here.
Review & Research
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Review the school's social media profiles for general news and upcoming events
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Review the school’s website, publications and blogs
Tip: Remember to review your SchooLinks List about which factors were important to you and why that school is a potential match for you (School Selection). The prep work you have already done is part of your research!
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Research each school's structure of campus visits - they can range from a quick hour to an overnight stay or from a casual guided tour to a formal presentation. While each school does things differently, most campus visits include an information session and a campus tour with a current student. You’ll see the main parts of the campus and have a chance to ask questions.
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Research if each school provides additional opportunities you can request such as: attend a class; meet with a professor; meet with an admission officer; meet with a financial aid officer; attend a club meeting or a sports practice session; eat in the dining hall; and/or spend the night in a dorm.
Schedule
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Group information sessions can fill up quickly. Contact the college admission office (through the college's website or by email or phone) at least three weeks in advance to make a reservation.
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Make sure to clarify how long the tour is, what is included, and request additional opportunities.
Prepare
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Prepare a list of questions for both staff and students - don't assume you will remember them!
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Get a map of the campus so know where to meet your tour
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Prepare to document each tour for later review- it’s easy to forget what you saw at each school
Adapted from IvyWise article and Collegeboard's Big Future
Virtual Campus Visits
Taking a campus visit in-person is ideal but it's not always doable. If you’re unable to physically visit, look into virtual tours.
Check out websites such as: CampusTours and EcampusTours
Check out some of Washington's 4 yr Universities via virtual tour:
Washington State University (WSU)
University of Washington - Seattle (UW)
Pacific Lutheran University (PLU)
Central Washington University (CWU)
Saint Martin's University
Eastern Washington University
Seattle Pacific University (SPU)
University of Puget Sound
Gonzaga University
Whitman College
Seattle University
Whitworth University
Wondering how to search colleges that has a VR tour?
Try the School Search with VR Tour Filter