My D21 is interested in Tulane. I am going to be in New Orleans on business in early February and thought I would like to see the school myself. Does anyone think it would be strange if I signed up for a campus tour without my daughter? Would I have to reach out to admission to ask permission?
Maybe a little bit strange, but I’m sure it happens! I think during the registration process you would probably have to make a note so that you can leave the student section blank. You might have some people in your tour group wondering, but if they start out with a little intro of each person, that’s your chance to explain. Most importantly what does your D think?
I wouldn’t recommend going without your daughter for the first visit. If you want to do a drive by and take a look, maybe, but I really think she should get the chance to experience it for the first time without any parental influence. Finding the right fit in a school is so important and it can be hard to get accurate feedback from her if she feels her thoughts will disappoint you in some way. Going along with this, after any visits, let her lead any follow up conversations and don’t interject your thoughts or impressions until she asks what you think.
She’s 21? I think browse it but don’t take an official visit. If she were a high school student, or on a gap year, sure.
If you’re very close and know each other’s way thinking and she’s asked you to visit, sure. Otherwise, I think at this point it’s her territory.
Or do you mean class of 21? Haha. Sorry, I’m switching gears from other forums where a number after a D or DS indicates age.
If we’re talking a minor child here, absolutely visit. Just be careful to not tip her one way or the other before she’s had a chance to see it herself.
Might be very awkward.
Reminds me of my friend whose daughter got sick on the bus during a campus tour at a big state u. His wife took their daughter off the bus and told him she would text him to find out where the tour group was when their daughter got well enough.
He said, it felt like forever until they caught up several stops later and he felt like the ‘Creeper Dad’ the whole time.
Lots of adults go on tours without a student…parents and college counselors to name two groups.
If the visit sign up form doesn’t allow for a non-student to register, just call the admissions office and they will add you to the list.
@sapmom yes class of 21. @bloomfield88 that was I was worried about… seeming like the “creepy dad”
@helpingmom40 I don’t disagree with your sentiments. However, we have already been on quite a few tours together as well as tours with D18 so we are both able to be honest with each other about what we think about schools. And trust me she is not worried about disappointing me by telling me she is not going to apply to schools that I like and think would be a good fit…LOL
We are kind of chasing merit as we will not get any aid and she wants graduate school as well. I know that Tulane is getting tougher and tougher with merit money. Before I commit to spending the money and bringing her down to take a look I would like to make sure that I feel comfortable having it be in play at all with the distance and the expense.
I would do it. How often are you in New Orleans?! You could take notes on what her questions are about the school.
Thanks everyone for taking the time to give feedback.
I emailed admissions and a this is what they said:
Thanks for your email. We would absolutely love to have you tour campus! Tulane doesn’t actually have a limit on how large our tour registration can be, and as you are not a student, you do not need to actually register for the visit. Feel free to stop by 210 Gibson Hall around 1:50 pm on the 10th and we’ll be able to get you on the tour.
So I guess I will be the “creepy dad” for a couple hours.LOL
At one of our college visits, I went alone on the tour. My son was a recruited athlete on an official visit, and the coach decided to take him on a separate tour. Our group was really small, just one family plus me. I definitely felt creepy – the guide never did intros so I couldn’t find an opportunity to explain why I was there alone – so I was relieved when son and coach joined in at the end!
How would anyone know or care you are alone? Most are focused on their own parents not doing anything crazy. Lol.
Not all students have parents with them and a lot don’t have both parents. You could simply be the quiet dad.
I probably wouldn’t be peppering the guide with questions. Just walk around and take it all in.
Also if they did care, who cares?
Definitely ask your daughter if she minds. If not, it’s a reasonable way to spend an afternoon and get some info.
@burghdad too bad you couldn’t have scheduled that trip for next week. I’ve seen adults on college tours without kids; I just assumed they were counselors or parents in your situation.
@burghdad Gibson hall is the building behind the Tulane University sign facing St. Charles Avenue. If you are taking a ride share or cab, ask them to drop you off at the half circle in front of Gibson off of St. Charles. You’ll be able to walk right up and into Gibson, see the streetcars traveling along in front of campus and get at glimpse of Audubon Park directly across St. Charles. It’s a beautiful area of New Orleans and a scenic introduction to campus. Have a great visit!
To those who said this would be creepy, I ask “why”? It’s not like he’s hiding in the bushes taking pictures of kids from a distance.
On several college visits my child and I intentionally split up and went on separate tours so we could compare and contrast afterwards. Now I am wondering if people thought I was creepy. LOL
Some schools even have separate tour groups for parents and students, although at Tulane we didn’t. I doubt anyone will think you are creepy.
@Tigerwife92 yes next Monday would have been a better time for business trip LOL. BTW are you an LSU tiger wife or Clemson tiger wife?
@burghdad Clemson
There’s nothing “creepy” about taking a tour as a parent without your student with you. In fact, I think it’s a great idea.