How to "visit" colleges online

Tips on How to "Visit" Colleges Online:

The COVID-19 pandemic in the 2020-2021 school year created some challenges in visiting college campuses in person. Below are tips for effective ways to "visit" online.

College or University Websites:

Take a virtual tour or attend an information session
Sign up to be on mailing lists for colleges you are “Following” or “Applying” to so that you can be notified of upcoming virtual events including Open Houses, Student Panels, Financial Aid, Interest Specific Presentations, etc.
Online course catalog: Look at the required courses for majors you are interested in along with descriptions of those courses. Also check out available electives and specific course syllabi.
Professor research: Read about professors who work in departments that you are considering. What kinds of research do they do? Is it interesting to you?
Student research: Visit department websites to see what kind of student research is being showcased.
Academic supports and student services:

What kind of academic support does this school offer? Check the office of academic success or student support websites to find out if the school provides tutoring or study skills workshops, and if anything is offered virtually.
Cultural affinity services, Career services, Women’s or LGBTQIA+ services, Wellness centers for physical and mental health support

College newspaper: Find out what students care about and what issues are active on campus.
Attend a virtual class: Admissions depts might be willing to let you audit a virtual class.
Visit the Campus Calendar to learn more about events that are happening on campus from speakers to performances.
Follow up with the Admissions Officer responsible for reaching D-E applications if you have specific questions or concerns.

SCOIR / D-E

Attend an information session exclusive to D-E students. Come with questions!
Use the ‘wall’ feature to see different aspects of campus life: clubs, events, sports, greek life, community service etc.
Research admissions dates, criteria and data points
Visit the Sessions tab to see if there are any upcoming virtual events you can register for.
Connect with a student: Reach out to your counselor to connect you with a D-E alumni.

Other sources:

Campus Reel: Website where current students can upload their own tour videos.
Forums: Take a look at forums like Reddit or Quora. Keep in mind that students can use these sites to vent. Take it with a grain of salt and pay more attention to repeat comments.
Google maps, Yelp, TripAdvisor: What is the surrounding area like? Access to parks, restaurants, music venues, etc. How integrated is the school within the community?
Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Twitter: Look at clubs & organizations you are interested in.
Weather: How many sunny days? Average amount of snow each year?
Reach out to D-E alumni who are current students
Net price calculator: https://collegecost.ed.gov/net-price

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