The Top 5 Things to Look for on a Campus Tour:
1) Grass and flowers.
Let’s face it – you’re not buying a skillet, you’re choosing a place to live for four years. Don’t you want it to look nice? No, it’s not the most important thing, but it is something. And something counts.
2) College gear.
Don’t worry about whether students are smiling or not (do you smile when walking to a calculus exam?), notice whether or not students are wearing clothing or gear with their school’s name on it. No one flies the flag for a school they dislike.
3) People holding doors.
When someone holds a door for you, it is a sign that they understand that they are not alone in this world – they realize you exist, they acknowledge it and they’re going to try and make your day just a tiny bit better. That’s the kind of place you want to spend four years. Now return the favor.
4) Fat squirrels.
Want to ride the subway to class in college? Great – ignore this step. But if you have ever pictured yourself in college hanging out on a quad and walking to class across a grassy, green vista then you want to see squirrels on your tour. If you see squirrels, then there trees and grass on that campus. If they are fat, then there’s lots of trees. And no coyotes. And that’s something, too. And something counts.
5) Stairs.
Seriously, no one dreams of going to college and falling out of shape. Going up and down stairs will keep you fit. And remember — where there are stairs, at the top, there’s always a great view. Stairs equals healthy, fit people enjoying gorgeous views. Sounds like a great place to go to college.
