5 Questions to Ask on Your Next College Tour
SHU campus tour guides share favorite questions and tips to make the most of your visit
Sure, you may be excited about the prospect of learning more about where you might call home for the next four years, but you also may be nervous about asking the right questions. A college tour is a significant milestone in any student’s career. We want to help you be well-prepared for your next visit and provide some tips on how to make it a meaningful experience.
Mia Coluccio ’22, senior associate director of campus experience at SHU, shared how important it is for prospective students to be engaged participants during their campus visit.
“We encourage prospective students to ask questions, take notes, snap some pictures and introduce themselves to a member of our staff,” she said. “Working with prospective students is our full-time job, so take advantage of talking with members of our staff and participating in various visit opportunities. And make sure your admissions counselor remembers your name!”
Whether you’re signing up for your first tour or have scheduled a return visit to your future home, here are some of SHU’s student ambassadors’ favorite questions and some tips on how to stand out during your next tour.
Ready to learn more? Sign up for your college tour today!
Visit SHU1. What impact has SHU had on you?
“A great question I always get asked is: ‘How has SHU helped you become the person you are today,’” said ambassador Meghan Bernard ’26. Questions that speak to the impact of the Sacred Heart experience are particularly memorable for SHU tour guides. While the wording can vary—make your question your own! — these kinds of personal questions help you to stand out and make an instant connection with the tour guide. Establishing a connection to the SHU community during an information session or tour is one of the best things a prospective student can do during the application process.
2. What is fraternity and sorority life like on campus?
“On tour, a lot of families ask about fraternity and sorority life. They are interested in hearing about the recruitment process, housing, commitment level and gaining connections on campus,” says ambassador Victoria Grillo ’26. Asking about fraternity and sorority life is a great way to show interest in SHU and its social community, as it showcases that you’re passionate about becoming an active participant in the University community and distinguishes yourself on a tour.
3. What are the traditions on campus?
Ambassador Emily Calder ’26 always loves to receive the question, “What are some traditions SHU has?” Events like Mass on the Grass, late-night breakfast and the first home football game are just a few traditions around campus that ambassadors love to talk about. Asking about the history of the school and its community can distinguish you from the pack and showcase your interest in making SHU your home for the next four years.
Coluccio also spoke about how important it is for tour participants to display interest in the University.
“We pay close attention to demonstrated interest,” she said. “We believe there is much more to learn about a college or university than can be captured from their website or through social media.”
4. What is the scene like off campus?
“I often get asked about off-campus life,” said Grillo. “This is where I highlight SHU’s prime location, downtown Fairfield, as well as the SHU Community Theatre.”
SHU is more than just its Park Avenue campus, and students are encouraged to explore and make use of the vibrant community that surrounds the campus. SHU’s location, perched between major cultural hubs like New York and Boston, provides students with ample opportunities to explore and learn off campus. In addition, SHU’s proximity to downtown Fairfield offers students a chance to dine, shop and entertain themselves in one of the state’s most charming downtowns. The University’s shuttle service includes rides to and from the Bridgeport train station as a part of the transit route, and to and from Fairfield all day Thursday through Sunday.
5. How can attending SHU shape my future?
One of the most important aspects to consider when deciding on college is asking yourself how it will shape your future. There are several ways to ask that question.
“‘What’s the best decision you made during your college journey so far’ is one of my favorite questions to receive on tour,” said Bernard. This question is great for students and families hoping to connect with their tour guide and get to the heart of what makes SHU and its students happy. Getting involved and utilizing the resources the campus has to offer are great ways to ensure you’ll make the most of your four years at SHU.
Here’s one last question: Is a campus tour in your future?
Visit SHU’s campus tours, information sessions & interviews webpage for more information, call 203-371-7881 or email visit@sacredheart.edu.
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