Many universities and colleges encourage applicants to explore their campuses by taking virtual college tours. These tours show what the campus looks like, how students interact with each other and give a general sense of what it’s like to be a student there. Virtual college tours allow you to experience higher education without physically being there. You can take virtual tours of the campus before you even apply.
Virtual college tours may be taken with a video camera or webcam on an existing platform. However, most virtual college tours are done using professional-level equipment and software that allows for more immersive visuals and sound effects. This ensures that prospective students get the best experience possible while exploring what conditions might be like at their chosen college or university.
It’s often more difficult to create an entirely simulated environment for these visualizations than simply videotape one of them taking place in real life, so they tend to be higher quality than regular videos shot on site. Many universities also hire professional videographers to come in at specific times throughout the day when the campus is teeming with students and activities, such as during finals week or on a very crowded weekend. The videographer will capture any activities that take place while they’re there so you can get an idea of what it’s like to be on the college campus when it’s in full swing.
What Can You Expect From Virtual College Tours?
Virtual tours can help you narrow down your choices for schools. In addition, many universities have virtual websites set up where you can explore their campuses virtually. These are often equipped with school maps, information about housing options, student clubs, sports teams, professors, alumni, financial aid opportunities, and more.
You may also hear from current students through video messages and various social media platforms. Applicants can ask them questions or learn about what it’s like to be a student at the college. It’s also a great way for you to get information about admissions, extracurricular opportunities, career planning, and more.
What Should I Do Before Starting The College Tour?
Before starting your virtual tour of any university or college, take into account the following:
• You should familiarize yourself with the institution’s website and all other information given before you start exploring their virtual campus – hence “virtual tour.” Many websites offer extensive virtual tours that allow students (and prospective students) to explore every nook and cranny of the school they’re interested in. Take advantage of the resources available to you.
• You should choose an appropriate time and place for your virtual tour – Some tours are better taken early in the morning or late at night, while others are most effective around finals week or a very crowded weekend day. Also, some tours may require extra equipment, such as a camera rig on a helmet that captures both sound and images from two different angles simultaneously. Make sure you have everything you need before going ahead with the tour.
• Once you’ve familiarized yourself with all information given by colleges and universities, schedule your virtual tour so it can be taken when there will be an abundance of students on campus who can tell about what life is like at the university.
When Should I Schedule My Virtual College Tour?
Virtual college tours should be scheduled at exactly the right time to ensure that prospective students get an accurate idea of what life is like at their desired institutions. Scheduling your tour during high-traffic times on campus will give you a better chance of getting more information about student life, while scheduling it when there are any people around can make questions difficult – or even impossible – to ask.