1. Start Early 

A campus tour shouldn’t be something that parents spring on their student. Begin visiting colleges by your junior year. Carve out time to talk about life after high school, and come up with some ways that he or she can feel more prepared for what’s coming next.

2. Take Smaller Trips
Think about starting with a campus tour at a nearby college. It’s okay if it’s not the student’s highest target. He or she might be interested in seeing what goes on at a school without the pressure of trying to decide if it’s the right place for the next four years. These visits can also help students get a feel for campus size and setting (city versus suburban versus rural.)

3. Don’t Just Take a Trip. Plan Your Trip.
Organizing your trip doesn’t mean pinpointing what you will do each minute of each day. It just means having the logistics and most important activities scheduled so that you have the freedom to explore and improvise.

4. Make It about the Experience.
If you’re a student, try to keep in mind that this whole process is about finding the right college for you: a place that supports your academic, personal, and extracurricular interests. If you’re a parent, help your student keep this perspective on the college search.

For assistance in the college search and selection process, contact the College Resource Center at 706-366-2993 or www.crccolumbusga.com.