Tours are an important part of choosing a college. Visiting college campuses can help you decide if you want a big school or a small one, a college in a city, suburb, or small town, a college near home or far away. You’ll find out if the college is right for you.

Do your research. Find out everything you can about the college you plan to visit. Keep an open mind because the college that has been your top choice may feel all wrong, while one further down the list is surprisingly just right.

Prepare before you take a tour by visiting CollegeBoard.com | College Visits. To make the most of the college tour, use the Department of Postsecondary Education’s College Tour Student Assessment and Reflection to evaluate your visit and record your thoughts on each school.

Tours organized by CPS

Each year the CPS organizes a number of college tours available to high school students - most notably the Spring Break College Tours. On a CPS tour you will visit a group of colleges, such as colleges in New York, or to a group of similar colleges, such as schools in the Big Ten or Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

During the tour you may visit one or several colleges. You’ll meet with current students, professors, admissions and financial aid representatives. You may also participate in a college class, see residence and dining halls, or learn about extracurriculars that spark your interests.

Tours organized by high schools

Some high schools organize college tours for their students. These are usually in the fall. Watch for notices on your school’s Web site or ask your counselor or college advisor about tours.

Virtual tours

Take a virtual college tour. Use What's Next Illinois to research colleges that are a good fit for your interests. Then go to Campustours.com to take a virtual tour of the college. Spend some time on the web site of the college.

Tour on your own

Visit colleges on your own or with your family and friends. Many colleges have "open house dates," days when anyone can visit the college. Visit college Web sites or contact admissions offices to find out about opportunities to visit the campus.

Take a walking tour of the campus and visit admissions and financial aid representatives. Maximize your visit by observing a class, eating in the cafeteria, spending the night in a residence hall, and/or listening to a student panel.