Making the Most of a Campus Visit

Remember, the school you choose isn’t just where you’ll be studying. It will be your home base for the next several years! Don't be afraid to ask how a campus can best serve you. Being on our campus is a great way to get a sense of what feels like a good environment for you. When you visit campus, you’ll also have the opportunity to speak to current students, and they’re a great resource for insight into daily life at Penn! 

As you get ready for your campus tours, here’s are a few notes to keep in mind to help you better prepare: 

  • Our tours are fully outdoors and involve a lot of walking! Bring water, dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather, make sure you've eaten something before your tour 
  • Take notes! Everything will feel fresh in your mind and easy to remember while you're on a tour, but especially if you're comparing schools, you'll be glad you jotted down your impressions and any important information 
  • Can't go in person? That's alright, many schools (including Penn) offer virtual tours and info sessions to help you get a feel for campus life from anywhere. 

How to Engage with a Campus Tour

When you’re visiting us (or any campus!), some questions you may want to ask yourself are: 

  • Can I see myself on this campus? What do I feel, being here? Does it feel too big? Too small? Do I feel connected? Isolated? 
  • Can I see myself in this city or town? 
  • What resources/programs will I have access to that I’m excited about? Are there any resources that are important to me, and does this school offer them? 
  • What kinds of organizations, events, traditions, and groups exist on campus? Do any of those sound-like things I want to participate in? 
  • What is the student experience like? Is it a competitive environment or a supportive one? Are students social? Does everyone know each other or is there anonymity?  

Asking student tour guides about their specific experiences can be a great way to get a window into life at Penn. We encourage you to ask tour guides about their experience with questions like: 

  • What’s your favorite memory at your school so far? Why? 
  • What’s your favorite class or professor at your school? 
  • How did you meet some of your friends? 
  • Is there a resource for students who need support with their studies? 
  • Are you part of any clubs or groups outside of class that you recommend? 
  • What’s your favorite place on campus? 
  • What’s your favorite perk that comes with going to school here? 
  • What do you like about living in this city/town? 

Pro Tip: When you’re visiting a school, focus on asking questions that help you learn more about whether it’s a good fit. Don’t worry about trying to demonstrate interest because spoiler alert: we don’t track that anyway! Instead, use your time to dig into the things that matter most to you. After all, the goal is to find the school that feels right for you.