What do dogs in their pajamas have to do with college search? Not much probably. But we could all use a little levity, and we’re pretty sure you’d rather see dogs in their pajamas as opposed to seeing US in pajamas. So enjoy these cute pictures, and check out these tips for continuing your college search virtually with the free time you have on your hands right now.

In light of what’s going on in our world, we wanted to share ways to maintain and even ramp up your college search. While college campuses around the country are closed, college-bound high school students and parents have more available time right now. Just because campuses are closed doesn’t mean your college search has to be put on hold.

We recently recorded a video to help you Visit Colleges in Your Bathrobe. Check it out.

Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors! We have ideas and resources to help you maintain momentum and make great use of your time at home right now. Stay tuned for more online resources coming daily in the coming days and weeks!

Ways to Connect with Colleges and Universities From Home

  1. Check out their virtual tour often found on the Office of Admissions page of the school’s website.
  2. Reach out and subscribe to receive more information about each of the colleges and universities you are interested in online.
  3. Research your major to learn more about the opportunities at each school on each schools official websites.
  4. Contact an admissions counselor with questions about enrolling. Many of these folks are working remotely right now, and would love to take your call or respond to your email!
  5. Get first-hand accounts from local college students that are now home. Ask them questions about their experiences at their college and universities.

Connect With College Campus Personnel

This may not be possible for all college campuses, but MANY college campuses are still staffed remotely. Colleges are working to find remote ways to keep operating and being available for prospective students. They want to keep hearing from you! This means that you CAN STILL REACH OUT to your admissions rep via email or phone to ask questions. To find and connect with your admissions rep, look for the Office of Admissions page of your prospective school’s website and zero in on “find an admissions rep in my area” or “find my area admissions rep”. Colleges and universities have designated admissions reps based on where you’re located.

Preparing for a Conversation with Your Admissions Rep

BEFORE you get on the phone or write an email to your admissions rep, check out the school’s website thoroughly. Avoid asking questions you could easily find yourself on the website. If you’re calling them on the phone, jot some notes to work from during your call and be ready with a pen and paper to take notes about helpful tips they provide. If you’re writing an email, be sure to check your spelling and grammar. Email language should be more polished and crafted than texting.

Start by introducing yourself. This sounds like this: “Hello, my name’s Justin Jones. I’m a sophomore at Northwest High School in Coolsville, Wisconsin. I’m interested in pursuing a major in business beginning fall of 2022. I’m interested in what State University has to offer for business majors interested in pursuing a career in entrepreneurship.

Let them know you’ve done some homework. This sounds like this: “I’ve spent some time on your website, and I’ve talked to a couple of my friends who are currently students there. I noticed that you offer a wide range of majors and programs in my field of study. I’m specifically interested in your focus in international entrepreneurship.”

Here are good questions to ask your admissions rep via email or phone:

  1. What I should expect as a first-year student studying business with a focus on entrepreneurship at State University?
  2. What makes State University’s program unique? When students choose State University over other options, what are their top reasons for doing so?
  3. Could you share your most common overlap schools for students pursuing a major like the one I’m interested in? (Overlap schools are other schools that students commonly consider in addition to the one you’re in contact with. Think of “overlaps schools” as
  4. What I can be doing now as a high-school student to fully prepare me for succeeding as a State University student in my chosen major?
  5. Do you offer career camps or other programs for high school students during the summer or school year that would be helpful for a student with my interests and goals?

Virtual College Tours Online

Several schools including University of Iowa, Vanderbilt University, and Minnesota State Mankato are offering online information sessions and virtual tours at set times and dates that you sign up for remotely. No doubt this will become standard practice over the next several days and weeks.

The following schools have online virtual tours. This is just a starting point, as most schools have video campus tours available on YouTube, as well.

  • University of Iowa online information sessions including a virtual tour
  • Iowa State
  • Nebraska
  • Creighton
  • Marquette University
  • University Chicago Loyola
  • Northwestern University
  • University of Notre Dame
  • Bemidgi State University
  • Vanderbilt (and online information sessions)
  • Valparaiso University
  • Indiana University
  • University of Illinois
  • University of Minnesota
  • University of St Thomas
  • Minnesota State University Mankato (and sign up for virtual tour on a specific date)
  • University of Wisconsin Whitewater
  • St Norbert’s College
  • Auburn University
  • University of Kentucky

We hope you’ve enjoyed this pajama-wearing-dog-guided tour of how to visit colleges in your bathrobe.

Get Guidance on Maintaining Momentum in the Midst of Madness

Stay tuned for more free college planning resources coming soon to help you maintain momentum and get guidance on your college planning process while in the midst of our current situation. For answers to your specific questions, schedule a Free Consult (which can take place via Zoom video conference from wherever you are). Or email Tom or email Hilary. Prospective student athletes seeking guidance on keeping the fire lit under your recruiting process, email Stephanie for answers and guidance.