Spring College Tours: Get Your Foot on a Campus and Find Inspiration

Written by Amanda, University of Pennsylvania

As a high school senior, one way to make things easier, and even more exciting, is by going on college tours in the spring! You don’t even have to visit schools you’ve applied to. Just getting out there and exploring different campuses can help you figure out what you like and inspire you in ways you didn’t expect! Here’s why you should try spring college tours: 

1. Feel the Energy of the Campus 

Spring is a great time to visit college campuses! The weather is nicer and students are wrapping up the semester. Campuses tend to be lively, but the vibe is also a little more relaxed as students prepare for finals. This is a perfect time to experience the true energy of a college campus. You might find it’s easier to imagine yourself there when the campus is full of life! 

2. Get the Real Campus Experience 

It’s hard to know what a campus is really like just by looking at pictures or virtual tours! When you visit, you get to see the place up close. You can walk around, check out the dorms, cafes, and outdoor spaces, and see where students spend their time. Do you feel comfortable? Is the campus a place where you could see yourself studying, hanging out, and living? These aspects can be hard to judge without being there in person! 

3. Visit a Variety of Campuses 

You don’t have to only visit schools you’ve applied to. In fact, it’s a great idea to explore different types of schools! Check out a few reach schools, target schools, and even safety schools. You might be surprised by what you like at a campus you didn’t expect to enjoy. Spring tours let you explore without the pressure of applications or decisions, so you can go into each visit with an open mind! 

4. Get Inspired for Your Decision 

You never know what might inspire you during a visit. Maybe you’ll fall in love with a beautiful part of campus, or you’ll discover a club or academic program that excites you! Even if you weren’t considering a school before, seeing it in person might make you think, "I could see myself here." Spring visits are a chance to get excited about the options available to you and find a school that feels like the right fit! 

5. Talk to Current Students 

When you go on a tour, you’ll often have the chance to speak with students who actually go to the school. These conversations can give you a real sense of what it’s like to attend! You can ask about what they love about the school, what they think could be better, and why they chose it. This can help you get an honest idea of what life is like there! 

6. No Pressure 

Spring tours are a low-pressure way to explore colleges; you don’t need to have applied or been admitted to visit. It’s just about getting a feel for what’s out there! Even if you’re not sure about a

particular school, a visit might give you new ideas about what you want in a college. It’s a chance to explore with no expectations! 

7. Enjoy the Nice Weather 

Let’s face it: spring weather is amazing! Taking a tour during the spring lets you walk around in comfortable temperatures, see the campus looking its best, and enjoy the outdoor spaces. It’s a fun way to spend a day while also learning more about potential colleges! 

Allow Yourself to Bloom this Spring! 

Spring college tours are a great way to explore campuses, get inspired, and figure out what kind of college environment you want. Whether you're checking out schools you’ve applied to or just visiting to see what else is out there, being on a campus during the spring can help you make better decisions about where you want to go next year. So, take a break from the applications and get out there this spring; you might just find your perfect college!

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