This document provides guidance on what to focus on and ask during a college tour. It recommends focusing on the sales pitch at the beginning, scouting areas to revisit, and asking the tour guide many questions. It then lists specific areas and facilities to see, such as grounds, buildings, construction, offices, athletic facilities, residence halls, social life areas, libraries, bookstores, health facilities, and dining halls. Finally, it provides sample questions for an interview, including why the interviewee wants to attend the school and what questions they have. The overall document aims to prepare students on what to prioritize and ask about during a college tour and interview.

1. What is a tour?
What should you see?
What questions should you ask?

2. A Sales Pitch
 You Are Here—the beginning
 Take a good, close look at what’s shown to you
 Scout for areas you’d like to visit (or re-visit)
after the official tour
 Ask your tour guide lots of questions

3.  Upkeep of the Grounds
 Condition of Buildings
 New Construction
 Faculty Offices
 Athletic and Fitness Facilities
 Residence Halls and Dormitories
 Area & Social Life
 Campus Library
 Bookstore

4.  Counseling and Health Facilities
 Career Services/Graduate Placement Office
 Information Boards/Ride Boards
 Dining Halls
 Bathrooms

5. The right stuff
Top 10 things to do in an interview
Parts is parts

6. 1. Arrive on Time
2. Greet the Interviewer with a Firm
Handshake
3. Introduce Your Parents
4. Smile
5. Listen carefully and have materials with
you that you need.
6. Use Your Notes and/or Take Notes if You
Wish

7. 7. Speak Directly to the Interviewer
8. Relax and make sure to communicate all of
your questions.
9. And the Number One Thing To Do in Every
Interview: Be Yourself!
 Talk about your interests outside of school,
your family, your goals.

8. 1. Why are you here?
If you have done your research this should be
easy!
2. What’s Your Story?
Talk about your family, your school (grades,
favorite classes or activities)
3. What Questions Can I Answer for You?
This is important! This is about as close as you
will come to a trick question. Don’t dismiss
this. Ask questions! Make sure you are
prepared.
BE CONFIDENT!

9. Things to remember
Sample questions you may be asked
Pitfalls to avoid

10.  Listento the question—don’t answer until
you’ve heard and understood the whole
question
 Think about the question—a
measured, considered response is more
impressive than an answer off the top of our
head.
 Answer the question once
 Always be prepared to answer why