When’s the Best Time for College Tours? Why the Holidays Might Surprise You

Two high school students walking on a college campus during a visit, holding notebooks and looking around as they discuss their surroundings.

Most families wait until spring to start college tours — when campuses are packed, parking is impossible, and every junior family is competing for the same slots. But here’s the secret most parents miss: The best time for meaningful, stress-free college visits might be during the holidays — right between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. While […]

Beach, Netflix, and College Tours? Making the Most of Spring Break

Teens with hands raised while standing on the beach.

Spring break is here! It’s the perfect time for your teen to sleep in, binge their favorite Netflix shows, and take a well-earned break from school. But while they’re enjoying the downtime, this is also an ideal opportunity to mix in some college planning and career exploration—without making it feel like extra homework. You can […]

Mapping Out a College Visit Schedule: When and Where to Tour Schools This Fall

Two teens looking at a campus directory

Planning campus visits is an exciting part of college preparation, clarifying the search and helping your teen visualize their future path. Fall is an ideal season for these visits, as students are back in action, campuses are buzzing, and your teen can get an authentic feel for college life. Whether they’re a freshman just exploring […]

Should You Go on a College Campus Tour Experience?

Two high school girls on a college tour..

Last week, on my birthday, I embarked on a campus tour adventure with my son, a high school junior. The excitement was palpable as we delved into this pivotal step of his college planning journey. Not only was it a special bonding opportunity, but it also provided invaluable insights into what lies ahead for my […]

The Cost of Finding the Right School

girl outside studying

WhooHoo! Your teen has decided to go to college, and you’re excited!  You’ve made plans to take a half-day off on Friday, and you and your teen will spend two nights in the college town.  There’s an informal get-together Friday evening where you can meet other potential students and parents.  Saturday morning is a campus […]

The Best Questions to Ask on College Tours

young african university student holding books

Over the past few weeks, I’ve discussed creating a list of colleges to visit and when to go. (If you missed these posts, click here.) The next step is to determine what information you want to learn while you’re there. What questions are you going to ask to evaluate the schools effectively? Questions that will […]

Finding and Planning Your College Visits

Teens standing together as a group

The time has come for you and your teen to start taking a look at colleges. You may have a list of ten or more campuses to visit. How do you find information on tours and put together a plan? I have the answers! Before you get started, keep in mind that college visits can […]

Evaluating Which Colleges to Visit

Teen outside with backpack

Campus visits are vital in determining which colleges your teen wants to attend. You wouldn’t buy a house without checking it out first. Why would you apply to a college, sight unseen?  First, let’s talk about when your teen should visit college campuses. We often assume that campus tours should happen during the spring semester […]