What NOT to do on Campus Tours

I have recently been talking about my trip to LA and the campuses that I had the chance to visit.  While I was sitting in on the admissions session and tour on USC's campus I was struck by how many people are COMPLETELY inappropriate while making college visits.  So, I thought it might be helpful to give you a heads up on a few things NOT to do while visiting campuses.

1.  Do NOT fall asleep during the admissions session.

2.  Do NOT sit there looking at your phone the entire admissions session and campus tour.  (I know that some people prefer to take notes on their phone, but I have to be honest, it just looks like you are texting and not listening so either wait until the end to make notes about what you want to remember or write it down on paper instead of typing it in your phone.)

3.  Do NOT take phone calls in the middle of the admissions session (especially in the room) nor during the campus tour.

4.  Do NOT wear inappropriate clothes.  (Hint - if it wouldn't meet the dress code at WKHS then you shouldn't be wearing it for a campus visit.)

5.  Do NOT dominate the admissions session or campus tour.  It is important to have your questions answered, but the admissions representatives also need to address the needs of all of the participants.  If you have a ton of specific questions it might necessitate an individual conversation following the presentation.

6.  Do NOT sit through the admissions session looking totally disengaged and bored by what is being covered.  (Imagine head propped on hand with mouth gaping open and staring off into space.)

7.  Do NOT leave the volume on your phone/ iPad or other electronic devices on during the visit.  (The inevitable phone call or text message is bad enough, but this also applies to your little brother playing his video game - the volume needs to be off!)

8.  Do NOT show up late and then try to have other people move seats so that you can fit your large group in seats together.

9.  Do NOT wear college shirts featuring the name of rival colleges.

10.  Do NOT roll your eyes, act annoyed and behave rudely during the visit. (You only have one chance to make a first impression so make sure it is a positive impression.)

Remember that all of these things NOT to do apply to you and also to your parents, siblings, grandparents, or any other people who come to visit the college with you.

For what it is worth, yes, I actually saw ALL of these things happen during my visit to USC.  I even started taking pictures of the people to use as examples on my blog, but then I decided that wouldn't be appropriate, but really, please, represent yourself better than this when you are on your campus visit.