Students worldwide can now explore their dream college campuses from the comfort of their homes. No need to pack bags and travel; virtual tours and interactive maps make it possible. You can find specialized college virtual tour websites or visit individual college websites to explore their virtual tour features and immerse yourself in the campus environment.
Choosing a college is crucial for achieving lifelong dreams. While advice from friends and family is valuable, making your own informed decisions by assessing what colleges offer is paramount. Ultimately, you are the one who will spend time studying on these campuses.
College admissions have adapted significantly, especially during the pandemic. Students who would typically visit campuses during spring breaks are now taking virtual tours. College admission officers are employing creative strategies, with technology playing a vital role in student enrollment. Before diving into virtual tour selection, here are important tips to maximize your virtual tour experience.
Prepare for Your Virtual College Tour Experience
1. Ponder, Evaluate, and Decide Your College Goals
Before embarking on virtual tours, assess your readiness for this new chapter. College is a significant commitment of four years or more, requiring full awareness and commitment to your goals. What do you aim to achieve, and what are you seeking in a college or university? A college should align with your life aspirations. This self-assessment will help you know exactly what to look for during virtual campus tours.
2. List Colleges and Join Mailing Lists
Create a list of colleges you’re interested in and join their mailing lists. This keeps you updated on campus news, new programs, or events like upgraded virtual tours. Following their social media handles also provides insights into college programs and marketing campaigns.
3. Identify Key Information for Virtual Tours
During a virtual tour, look for features such as interactive maps, advanced search filters, high-definition photos, 360° panoramic views, online customer service, and information on admissions, health and wellness, sports, tuition, and location.
Let’s explore websites specializing in college virtual tours and individual colleges offering them. We will then visit other college websites with virtual tour options.
Explore Virtual Tour Platforms and Resources
4. Campus Tours
Image Source: Campus Tours’ Website
On the Campus Tours website, search for campuses using filters for school name, state/province, or country. For a specific school, you’ll find its address, general information, tuition fees (2020-2021), enrollment statistics, admission requirements, sports, and majors. Icons link to campus maps, virtual tours, videos, websites, and VR/Pics. Searching by state or province yields a long list of colleges. Advanced search options allow for more specific filtering by undergraduate population, gender, women’s sports, and other criteria.
This company offers high-definition video production and Matterport True3D Walk-Through experiences. Their team also specializes in aerial photography, drone-based campus shoots, and 360° panoramic shots.
Website: https://campustours.com/productions
You Visit College Search
Image Source: You Visit’s Website
You Visit allows you to filter searches by state or territory, similar to Campus Tours. You can also filter by institution type (public/private), years in operation, campus setting, enrollment, and tuition fees. Explore colleges with 360° views. Registration with an email address is required to access virtual tours.
Website: https://www.youvisit.com/collegesearch/
Niche
Image Source: Niche’s Website
Niche allows you to search for K-12 schools, colleges, and graduate schools, and compare colleges. It provides data and reviews to help students and parents make decisions. The student loan feature helps find loans for tuition and expenses. Under the college tab, you can filter top colleges by type, cost, specialty, religious affiliations, and more. Campus maps are also available. Colleges offering virtual tours are highlighted, allowing you to add them to a list.
Website: https://www.niche.com
College Confidential
Image Source: College Confidential Website
College Confidential offers forums, a colleges tab to check top institutions, and articles on college life and study. Sign up with your email to begin your search. College listings include acceptance rates and in-state/out-of-state expenses.
Website: https://www.collegeconfidential.com/
Campus Reel
Image Source: Campus Reel’s website
Campus Reel specializes in creating engaging campus videos for students and families. Their website offers virtual campus tours. Create an account with your email to explore admissions. Campus Reel has been featured by TechCrunch, Forbes, USA Today, and The New York Times. Videos include Ivy League Reels, Large University Reels, and California Scholarship information. If you’re in college admissions and want to work with Campus Reel, schedule a demo. They have collaborated with Harvard Business School, Bloomsburg University, and others. For video solutions to enhance college recruitment, contact Campus Reel.
Website: https://www.campusreel.org/
Cappex
Image Source: Cappex’ Website
Cappex provides helpful articles on recruitment and college admissions. They generate about 1.2 million new users annually and facilitate communication between students and colleges. Features include lists of colleges with the best virtual tour experiences, scholarship grants, majors, and transfer information.
Website: https://www.cappex.com/
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Image Source: University of Minnesota’s Facebook Page
Explore admission processes, academics, special programs, campus life, cost of living, financial aid, and resources for families on the University of Minnesota website. Engage virtually through online campus tours, information sessions, or one-on-one virtual appointments via Zoom, Google Hangouts, email, or phone. Self-guided virtual tours cover the East Bank, West Bank, and St. Paul areas. Join virtual group sessions for groups of 10 or more. Student-led walking tours of the Minneapolis and St. Paul campuses are also available.
Website: https://admissions.tc.umn.edu/visit/virtual-tours-and-visits
Harvard College
Image Source: Harvard University’s Website
Experience Harvard University through their virtual tours, available anytime. The audio accompaniment provides campus navigation details. This panoramic tour is powered by You Visit. After the tour, book an hour-long information session or explore student-led virtual tours, especially for those interested in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
Website: https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/explore-harvard/virtual-tour
Georgetown University
Image Source: Georgetown University
Georgetown University offers virtual and in-person visits, along with campus virtual tours powered by Youvisit. The virtual tour covers around 20 campus stops with narration and is compatible with phones, desktops, and laptops. A self-guided tour with a campus map is also available.
Website: https://uadmissions.georgetown.edu/visiting/visit-options/
Stanford University
Image Source: Stanford University’s Website
Experience Stanford University with a student-led virtual tour, best viewed on a mobile device or VR headset. The 360° video tour, over 10 minutes long, is followed by a virtual campus walk. High-definition photos and detailed information offer an in-depth view. Explore the garden tour and learn about student life through virtual tours of residential areas, study spots, dining, and lounges. Campus photos provide insights into the campus and surrounding areas. After virtual tours, book an appointment with an admission officer to ask questions.
Website: https://visit.stanford.edu/tours/virtual/
Frequently Asked Questions
What are virtual college tours?
Virtual college tours are online experiences that allow prospective students to explore college campuses remotely using interactive maps, 360° photos, videos, and detailed information without needing to travel physically.
Why are virtual college tours important?
They are important because they allow students worldwide to explore their dream colleges from home, especially relevant in situations like the pandemic, saving time and resources while providing essential insights for decision-making.
What information can I find on a virtual college tour?
Virtual tours often provide information on admissions, campus maps, accommodation, academic programs, tuition fees, sports facilities, student life, and other pertinent details about the college.
How can I make the most of a virtual college tour?
To maximize your virtual tour, prepare by defining your goals, listing interested colleges, joining mailing lists, and knowing what specific features and information to look for during the tour.
Are there specialized websites for virtual college tours?
Yes, there are specialized websites like Campus Tours, You Visit, Niche, and Campus Reel that focus on providing virtual tours or comprehensive college search resources.
Can I interact with college representatives during a virtual tour?
Many colleges offer options for virtual appointments with admission officers, Q&A sessions, or information sessions in conjunction with their virtual tours to address student inquiries.
