College admission without tour?

Applying to College
1

Should I apply to colleges that I haven’t toured, or will they not consider my if I haven’t been to campus? I want to apply to a few schools out of state where I haven’t been able to transport there.

I was thinking of sending them an email saying something like “I haven’t been able to make it to campus for a tour but am very interested and would like to apply. Can set up a phone conversation with one of the admissions counselors to replace the tour?”

And after that, I’ll apply. Do you think this will be effective?

2

There’s no way a school would know you’ve never been on their campus. I was accepted to UCB without having visited their campus.

3

It is rare that most students are able to visit all the colleges on their list before the application deadlines. If these schools consider level of interest in their admission decisions, then sending an email inquiring about a specific major/program might be more applicable. than I was unable to tour your campus. I am sure many schools are aware not all applicants can visit.

4

Most colleges say a tour is “strongly recommended,” but I doubt they would care if your stats were high. I’ll probably email them just in case because they have records of who have gone on tours

5

I think it depends on the school. Google each school’s common data set and see how much they value demonstrated interest. However, if you’re applying to a school across the country no one expects you to visit-- you can demonstrate interest by attending local information sessions, signing up for the email list, etc.

6

I never toured a single college, including my current school, until I actually PICKED a school AND had orientation.

You’ll be fine.

7

The reason why some colleges - typically private and very selective - want you to visit is 1° to check whether you’re truly interested and 2° for you to make sure they’re the right fit. Large public universities don’t factor in interest.
However, no college expects you to visit. What they expect you to do is
1° fill out the “request info” form
2° contact admissions and ask questions you have that aren’t already answered on the website
3° be very polite when requesting an interview as they may not offer one. An interview with alumni may be offered. It typically has no bearing upon the decision except inform you more about the school and continue to express interest
4° click on every email they send
If you’re lower income and can’t afford to visit, you can also ask if there’s a “diversity fly in”. Diversity includes URM, first generation in college, students in lower performing urban districts or rural areas…