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College Touring Guide by Region

Embarking on college visits is an exciting step in your journey toward higher education! To help you get started, we’ve compiled a regional list of colleges and universities below. This list is not exhaustive—the possibilities are endless—but it serves as a helpful starting point as you plan your tours.

Helpful Resources for Planning

Make the most of your college visits by exploring these great tools:

College Kickstart:
- Offers suggested itineraries and maps out tours by region for schools you’re interested in visiting.
Day Tripper University:
- Packed with fantastic information and resources to make your college visits both informative and enjoyable.

Tips for a Successful College Visit

Plan Ahead: Use the resources above to map out your trips and make the most of your time on campus.
Have Fun: While the college process can be stressful, enjoy exploring new places and imagining your future!
Ask Questions: Talk to students, faculty, and admissions representatives to get a feel for each school.
Document Your Visits: Take notes and photos to help you remember what stood out at each college.

College Application Tips

Essential College Application Tips

Applying to college can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can create a standout application that reflects your unique story. Use these tips to navigate the process and make your application shine!

Crafting Your Narrative
Brainstorm Deeply: Think about what you truly want colleges to know about you. Highlight unique traits, passions, or experiences that set you apart.
Think Outside the Box: Showcase uncommon activities or skills like blogging, journaling, learning a language, or teaching yourself something new.
Building a Standout Resume
Use Lists, Not Sentences: Keep your resume concise and organized.
Be Specific: Include clear details, such as: “Organized and instructed 20 boys ages 6–10 on basketball fundamentals.”
Action Verbs Are Key: Use strong, active verbs to describe your roles (e.g., led, managed, designed).
Focus on Impact: Highlight what you accomplished, the skills you used, and the outcomes of your efforts.
Writing Your Essays
“Why Us?” Essay:
- Avoid generic topics like size, location, weather, or rankings.
- Make a list of things you want in a school and things the college offers. Build your essay around that.
Activity Descriptions: Focus on what you accomplished, your specific role, and the impact you made.
“Why This Major?” Essay: Write 2–3 sentences about why you’re interested and how you’ll explore your interests on campus.
Diversity Essays: Think broadly about diversity—political, religious, cultural, etc.—and how your perspective adds value.
Creative Prompts: For “Create Your Own Class” essays, find a sample syllabus for inspiration. Be specific and creative with the course title (use a colon, e.g., “Exploring Innovation: The Role of AI in Everyday Life”).
Filling Out Your Application
Additional Information Section: Use this space to explain unique circumstances, such as school changes, health challenges, or family dynamics. Avoid random or unnecessary details.
Highlight Personal Context: Share important details like being a first-generation college student, single-parent household, or English as a second language.
Recommendations & Interviews
Choose Your Recommender Wisely: Pick someone who teaches a core subject and knows you well.
Interview Preparation:
- Research the school’s Common Data Set (C-7) to see how much weight is placed on interviews.
- Write a “Why Us?” essay before the interview.
- Prepare talking points to guide the conversation.
- Have three questions ready for the interviewer, such as: “What’s something students rave about that I shouldn’t miss?”
Maximizing Financial Aid
Financial Aid Appeals: When asking for more aid, avoid saying “another school gave me more.” Instead, explain why the current package doesn’t meet your needs.
Tools to Streamline the Process
Essay Tracker Spreadsheet: Keep track of essay prompts and drafts to efficiently tweak responses for multiple schools.
First Cuts for Videos: If submitting a personal video, invest in a microphone to ensure quality without memorization stress.
Final Application Scan

Before submitting, review your application to ensure it reflects key values, skills, and qualities. Make sure everything aligns with the story you want to tell.

Helpful Resources
College Express: Plan and strategize your applications.
Day Tripper University: Explore detailed campus visit guides.
The college application process is a journey of self-discovery. Remember, your guidance counselor is here to support you every step of the way. Take a deep breath, enjoy the process, and put your best foot forward!

Mastering the Activities Section: Stand Out on Your Application

The activities section is one of the most critical parts of your college application. It’s your chance to differentiate yourself from other applicants by showcasing your interests, leadership, and tangible contributions outside the classroom. Colleges want to see how you’ve developed over time, the impact you’ve made, and your potential to become a leader in your future field.

By carefully crafting this section, you can highlight your unique story and make a memorable impression.

How to Approach the Activities Section

Be Selective:
- You have limited space, so focus on your most meaningful activities.
- Choose experiences that showcase your growth, leadership, and impact.
Use the Format Wisely:
- In the role/organization box, include your title and the organization name.
- Save the description box for explaining your contributions and impact.
Example:
- Instead of:
  - (Role/Organization): School newspaper
  - (Description): I am the editor for the school newspaper.
- Try:
  - (Role/Organization): Editor of International Column, School Newspaper
  - (Description): Responsible for brainstorming, revising, and supervising articles by other writers for my column.
Show Tangible Impact:
- Quantify your accomplishments wherever possible. Use numbers to highlight your contributions.
Example:
- Instead of: Raised money for children in Africa.
- Try: Raised $3,000 to provide uniforms and scholarships for three students attending the Joseph Waweru Home School in Kenya.
Use Active Verbs:
- Focus on what you did and the value you added.
Example:
- Instead of: Worked at a clinic doing different things.
- Try: Organized patient diagnosis notes, sterilized tools for surgeries, and assisted with x-ray analysis.

Tips for Writing Descriptions

Be Concise: Use lists and eliminate extra words to fit more information.
- Instead of: I raised money to donate to a school in Ghana by selling t-shirts and bracelets.
- Try: Arranged advertising events, organized fundraisers, and presented at school meetings.
Use Present Tense for Current Activities:
- Instead of: I helped tour visitors around campus and presented information on student life.
- Try: I give campus tours, providing insights on school history, student activities, and boarding life.
Avoid Redundancy: Vary your verbs and descriptions to keep them engaging.
- Instead of: Instructing, helping, teaching children tennis.
- Try: Instructing proper technique, imparting lessons in sportsmanship, health, and integrity.
Highlight Leadership:
- Instead of: I swim on the swim team.
- Try: Responsible for leading swim practices, planning fundraising events, and assisting with recruiting.
Explain the Significance: For smaller or one-time activities, emphasize the impact.
- Instead of: Tutored students.
- Try: Supported fourth graders in mastering challenging math concepts.

What to Avoid

Extreme Language: Avoid phrases like “always,” “never,” or “world-renowned.”
- Instead of: To help all those in need.
- Try: To help those in need.
Basic Words: Use precise, uncommon verbs.
- Instead of: Come up with ideas.
- Try: Develop, brainstorm.

Key Takeaways

Be clear, concise, and intentional with your wording.
Quantify your impact with specific numbers or measurable outcomes.
Use action verbs to describe your role and contributions.
Highlight leadership and the significance of your activities.

This section is your chance to showcase the person you are outside the classroom. Spend time refining it, and you’ll create a compelling narrative that sets you apart from the competition. If you need additional help, reach out to your guidance counselor for support!

Do's and Don'ts for "WHY US" Supplement

Do's and Don'ts for "WHY US" Supplement

Colleges want to admit students who are not just applying for the sake of it but have a genuine interest in attending. Writing vague or generic statements won’t convince admissions officers that you’re truly excited about their school. Instead, focus on specifics that show why the college is a great fit for you—and how you’ll thrive there.

What NOT to Do

Here’s an example of a weak, generic response:

Example 1:
"Given that I am an individual that genuinely enjoys being introduced to new concepts, ideas, and new information, Kalamazoo would definitely be a great fit for me. Being around sophisticated and intellectual students, with similar ambitions as mine, would inspire me to challenge myself on a daily basis. By doing so, I would gradually grow not only as a student but as a human."

What’s wrong here?

This response says nothing specific about Kalamazoo College.
It could apply to literally any school.

What TO Do

Write sentences that clearly show why you want to attend the school and what makes the school unique in your eyes. Let’s try again with a better example:

Example 2:
"SMU has a program called the NCA, which stands for the National Communication Association, and it helps support students in solving problems through effective communication. SMU also offers over 90 student organizations that complement academic pursuits, allowing me to join groups I truly enjoy."

Why is this better?

It mentions a specific program (NCA) and highlights what the student values (problem-solving through communication).
The response connects academic opportunities with personal interests.

Going Even Deeper

The best responses are detailed, personalized, and reveal something unique about you:

Example 3:
"I believe USC is perfect for me because, though other schools offer a Judaic Studies major, I have yet to find a program as comprehensive as USC’s. Courses like ‘Biblical Hebrew’ (as opposed to just Modern Hebrew) and ‘Why Be Jewish?’ demonstrate USC’s commitment to exploring both traditional and contemporary aspects of the field."

What makes this great?

It highlights specific courses that only USC offers.
It ties the school’s offerings to the student’s unique academic interests.

Example 4:
"Though the Cognitive Science program at USC is in its inaugural year and little information was available during my open house visit, I contacted Associate Professor Toby Mintz and discovered that USC’s program is highly interdisciplinary. It integrates psychology, philosophy, linguistics, computer science, and anthropology. As someone who speaks three languages, excels in computer science, and recently researched JL Austin’s ‘performative utterances’ in relation to smartphone technology, I’m particularly excited about USC’s Philosophy of Language course."

Why does this stand out?

The student did their homework by contacting a professor.
They connect USC’s unique interdisciplinary approach to their personal background and academic interests.
They show depth by referencing a specific research interest (JL Austin’s performative utterances).

Key Takeaways for Writing “Why Us?” Responses

Be Specific: Mention unique programs, courses, professors, or opportunities that excite you.
Connect to Yourself: Show how the school aligns with your academic and personal goals.
Reveal Who You Are: Use the response to share something meaningful about your interests, skills, or background.
Avoid Clichés: Don’t write generic phrases like “I want to grow as a person” or “the school has a beautiful campus.”
Do Your Research: Reference details from the school’s website, conversations with professors, or personal campus visits.

Writing a thoughtful, detailed response shows colleges you’ve done your homework and are genuinely excited to be part of their community. It’s your chance to stand out—make it count!

SKILLS TO HIGHLIGHT ON COLLEGE APPLICATION:

Commitment
Creativity
Critical Thinking
Initiative
Intellectual Curiosity
Good Judgment
Leadership
Open-Mindedness
Social Consciousness
Teamwork

QUALITIES TO HIGHLIGHT ON COLLEGE APPLICATION:

Leadership
A willingness to take risks
Initiative
A sense of social responsibility
A commitment to service
Special talents or abilities
Empathy
Generous
Compassionate

COLLEGE TOURING LIST BY REGION

New Jersey

Princeton University, Rutgers University, The College of New Jersey, Stevens Institute of Technology, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Rider University, Ramapo College of New Jersey, Monmouth University, Richard Stockton University, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Montclair State University, Seton Hall University, Saint Peter’s University, Felician College, Wagner College, Rowan College, Drew University, Kean University

New York City Area

Upstate New York Area

Connecticut and Rhode Island

Wesleyan University, Trinity College, Yale University, Connecticut College, University of Connecticut, Quinnipiac University, University of New Haven, Fairfield University, Sacred Heart University, University of Hartford, University of Rhode Island, Salve Regina University, Providence College, Brown University, Bryant University, Roger Williams University, Rhode Island School of Design

Home

College Touring Guide by Region

Helpful Resources for Planning

Tips for a Successful College Visit

We’re Here to Help

Essential College Application Tips

Crafting Your Narrative

Building a Standout Resume

Writing Your Essays

Filling Out Your Application

Recommendations & Interviews

Maximizing Financial Aid

Tools to Streamline the Process

Final Application Scan

Helpful Resources

Mastering the Activities Section: Stand Out on Your Application

How to Approach the Activities Section

Tips for Writing Descriptions

What to Avoid

Key Takeaways