If your spring break plans included college visits, what should you do now?

The coronavirus has drastically altered life around the world, and while college admissions isn’t life and death, it’s safe to say that the admissions process has been upended.  Colleges around the country have canceled in person classes and most have adopted an online format for the remainder of the semester.  With that, it’s certain that spring college visits will be occurring in non-traditional ways.  So how can you get a feel for a college when the campus is closed?   

If your spring break plans included college visits, what should you do now?  It boils down to using your virtual resources.  

• Virtual Tour – Many schools already have a virtual tour available.  In GuidedPath, you can find nearly 500 virtual tours through YouVisit on the college profile pages.  Other collections of online campus tours include YoUniversityTV or CampusTours.com.   
• Extended Virtual Visit – Admissions offices around the country are scrambling to enhance their virtual visit options and reformat spring visit days.  Stay in touch with the schools you were planning to visit to find out what they will offer.  Zoom meetings with admission officers, chats with student tour guides, and many other creative options will give you a first look at the campus.   
• Crowdsource a Connection – Chances are you may know someone who knows someone who is a current student.  And now that those current students have largely returned home, they may be available and excited to chat.  Reach out to your friend network or your college advisor to make a connection.   
• Stay Positive – Although it is certainly an unprecedented time for colleges and the country, college campuses aren’t going anywhere.  Students will return to school and you will have a chance to visit.   

Take Action 

For now, it’s all about staying informed on changes.  From new test dates for SAT or ACT, to possible changes to the admission timeline, stay in touch with your advisor for the most accurate information.  Check your email daily and check college websites often for updated deadlines and procedures.  Expect a lot of communication from colleges in the coming months.  Be sure to have a method for organizing this information.