How to Get the Most Out of A Virtual College Visit

For parents embarking on the exciting yet sometimes daunting journey of college planning, virtual college visits are a great tool to help get an inside look before investing time and money in a real-world visit. These digital tours and interactive sessions provide families unparalleled flexibility, convenience, and access to valuable information from the comfort of home. Unlike traditional campus visits, virtual experiences can be tailored to fit busy schedules, allowing families to explore more colleges than ever before. However, to truly reap the benefits and gain meaningful insights, it’s crucial to approach these virtual visits strategically and with clear intentions. Here’s how to effectively schedule virtual college visits, ask the right questions, and ensure that each session delivers maximum value for your family.

8 Steps to the Best Virtual College Visit Ever

Step 1: Create Your College List

Begin by narrowing down a manageable list of colleges based on your child's interests, academic strengths, and future goals. Consider a diverse range of schools—from large universities to smaller colleges, to provide your child with a broad perspective. Aim to schedule virtual visits for at least 5-8 colleges to gather sufficient insights without becoming overwhelmed.

Step 2: Check Available Virtual Visit Formats

Virtual college visits come in different forms, including:

• Live Virtual Tours: Typically guided by a student ambassador who showcases the campus via livestream.
• Interactive Webinars and Q&A Sessions: Hosted by admissions officers and faculty members.
• Recorded Campus Tours: Pre-recorded videos that can be accessed anytime.

Explore each college's admissions webpage to find options and pick the best format that suits your child's preferences and your family's schedule.

Step 3: Schedule Strategically

Once you've selected your preferred format, strategically schedule your virtual visits. Aim for times when your child is relaxed, alert, and can fully engage, such as weekends, after school, or during breaks. Space visits out rather than clustering them together to prevent burnout and allow for reflection after each experience.

Step 4: Prepare Thoughtful Questions

Encourage your child to develop a list of thoughtful questions ahead of each virtual visit. Sample questions might include:

• "What types of academic support services are available?"
• "How accessible are professors for extra help or mentorship?"
• "What are some unique campus traditions?"
• "Can freshmen bring a car to campus?"

A prepared list ensures essential concerns are addressed and helps your child actively participate in discussions.

Step 5: Create an Engagement-Friendly Environment

A focused, distraction-free environment significantly enhances the virtual visit experience. Ensure you and your child have reliable internet access, a comfortable viewing area, and a notebook or digital device handy for note-taking. Treating virtual visits as seriously as in-person tours helps reinforce their importance and keeps your child engaged.

Step 6: Encourage Active Participation

Participation is key to maximizing a virtual college visit. Remind your child to introduce themselves, ask questions, and engage in polls or interactive elements offered during webinars or live sessions. Active participation not only personalizes the experience but also helps your child stand out to admissions representatives.

Step 7: Follow Up and Reflect

After each virtual visit, dedicate time for reflection and discussion. Ask your child:

• "What did you like most about the college?"
• "Did anything surprise you during the virtual visit?"
• "Could you see yourself as a student there?"

Taking notes on these reflections will help your family compare schools later on and make informed decisions.

Step 8: Consider Additional Resources

Virtual college visits can be complemented by other online resources, including virtual student panels, social media groups, and college forums. Encourage your child to engage with these communities to gain broader insights and candid perspectives from current students.

Virtual college visits are more than a convenient alternative to traditional tours. They're potent opportunities for meaningful exploration and connection. By scheduling strategically, preparing thoughtfully, and engaging actively, your family can confidently navigate the college selection process, ultimately helping your child find their perfect academic home.