An important element of the application process for any independent school is the campus tour. This is your opportunity to observe the community up close and begin to get a feel for the environment. To maximize this time on campus, we recommend having some goals in mind for the experience and arriving prepared with some specific questions. Additionally, if there is a specific program or aspect of the school that you want to explore while on site, be sure to ask about that in advance so that the admission staff can accommodate your request.
Here are our top tips on getting the most out of your campus tour:
Talk to current students. Ideally you will be paired with a student guide for your tour – they are the best source of information about the school. But if you aren’t, don’t be shy about asking questions of students you meet throughout the day. Chances are they will speak positively about the school, but digging a little deeper can still reveal a lot about the school’s culture. Things you might ask are:
- On average, how many hours of homework do you have? What’s been your favorite project so far?
- How do your teachers connect with you in class? What are class discussions like? Do they make it fun?
- Are your teachers accessible outside of class? What are your options for getting extra help or following up with a teacher about classwork?
- What kind of clubs do you have?
- Do you know most of your classmates?
- What are some of the school’s traditions?
- What is one thing you might change about the school?
Talk to the school experts. You will also have the chance to speak with the school’s admission staff, who will be well-versed in the school’s background, mission and values. But they can also provide deeper insights into aspects of the community that are important to you. Some questions to ask of them include:
- How does technology fit into the curriculum?
- What is and isn’t included in tuition?
- What financial aid options do you offer?
- What kind of academic support do you offer?
- Are there options for high-achieving students to take on independent study?
- Do you have extended hours for before or after school care? What are the costs?
- What are the school’s strategic goals for the next 3-5 years?
Talk to yourself (just maybe not out loud). As you move around the school and make observations, ask yourself questions along the way. Things to ask:
- Do students look actively engaged?
- Do you see students and teachers interacting outside of the classroom?
- Do you see student work on display?
- Are the people you come across friendly and do they seem generally happy?
- Does the school feel welcoming?
Once your campus tour is complete, document your impressions. This is especially valuable if you are going through the admission process with multiple schools as the details can blur over time.
Selecting the right independent school for your family is an important decision, and not every school is right for every student. Taking the time to observe, explore and ask thoughtful questions can help to discover a school’s true culture and values, making it much easier to arrive at a decision.
https://www.severnschool.com/admission/visiting-severn
