Campus tours can be stressful. East Tennessee State University
recommends asking these key questions.  

Touring a college campus anytime soon? 

It can be difficult to know what questions you should ask both yourself and your tour guide. Campus tours can be intimidating and overwhelming to prospective students, but here are some questions to keep in mind:   

What are the missions and values of this institution, and do they align with my values and priorities?

Being knowledgeable on the key principles of a college is important to understanding if you are compatible with an institution at a fundamental level.    

Does this institution have programs of study, organizations and extracurriculars that I can see myself participating in?

Determine if a school is a good fit by investigating its academic programs and student life initiatives.  

yoga with baby goats
Campus Life

What do I hope to receive and accomplish from my college experience, and does this institution meet these requirements?

Making a list of what you want to gain from your college experience and comparing it to what an institution offers can quickly narrow down potential schools. Additionally, if your ideal job has a required or recommended degree, can this institution provide the necessary education?   

  

How can faculty and staff support students when things are tough?

Pursuing a degree is notably hard work, so it is important to ensure that there are systems in place to support students through rough patches.  

  

Is this a community where I can see myself growing and having the opportunity to get out of my comfort zone?

College is a major stepping-stone into self-discovery. Ensuring that an institution will help you grow and explore new aspects of yourself is crucial.   

  

What is the surrounding region like and are there available opportunities and activities related to your interests?

The culture and opportunities a region can offer impact your decision when choosing the best fit.  

  

What does a day-in-the-life look like as a student at this institution?

Receiving insight into what day-to-day life looks like can help you imagine a realistic life and schedule for yourself as a student at a specific institution. 

“Tour guides are proud to share why they love this place and why they love their school. Ask those questions,” said Timothy Lewis, director of New Student and Family Programs at East Tennessee State University.

Campus tours and their guides are there to help answer any questions prospective students might have. Schedule a campus tour of ETSU. Read our frequently asked questions for more information. 


East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.

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