We have curated a list of our top ways to connect with colleges virtually which we hope will ease your anxiety as you navigate this unprecedented situation.
- Take a Virtual Tour. In addition to college specific websites, great resources include:
- You Visit This website is, by far, our favorite tool. It offers 360 degree tours and virtual ones, if you happen to own a virtual reality headset!
- CampusTours.com, students can look up stats and virtual tours for more than 1,700 schools. Similarly, eCampusTours.com hosts 360-degree virtual tours for about 1,300 schools.
- Campus Reel, over 15,000 real videos, tours and experiences from 300+ college campuses.
- Explore Youtube for official university content by searching for your desired college, e.g. Princeton Admissions. If you want a student’s personal but unofficial perspective, search terms like Wisconsin Dorms, Dining at Duke, “Greek Life,” or anything in which you are interested.
- TikTok and SnapChat can offer glimpses of student life, but these platforms represent only one person’s perspective and might be controversial. We promise you your kids are looking at these!
- Online Sources for Facts, Stats, and Info include:
- Niche
- Unigo College Reviews
- Big Future
- College Data
- College Scorecard
- For a tried and true hardcopy, check out the Fiske Guide
- Explore the different resources available on specific college websites. Click around and dig deeper than you otherwise would. Here are some key ways to glean more information:
- When you enter a college’s website, be sure to request “more information.” Not only will this show “demonstrated interest,” but it also will place you on its email list.
- Engage via social media – “Like” and “Follow” college Facebook pages, Twitter feeds, and Instagram accounts.
- Look for information on campus clubs and organizations, cultural events, student government, sports, and more.
- Read school newspapers online to get an insider’s look at what students are talking about on campus.
- Browse the course catalog to get a sense of majors and classes offered.
- Investigate Support Services. On a college’s website, explore how institutions ensure the success of their students by offering support such as tutoring and writing/study resources. You can also find out about financial aid, health services, academic advising, and career placement.
Remember, your high school’s college counselors are excellent resources, and you can always email the college reps directly with questions.
Wishing everyone good health as you begin or continue your college journey. For more information about The College Curators, please email us at [email protected].
