Colleges today are tapping into the humongous potential of 360-degree photography, videos and virtual reality to draw more and more prospective students. These students, sitting hundreds and thousands of miles away from the college, can virtually step inside the campus and have a sneak peak of it by way of college virtual tours. These virtual tours serve as an incredible early sorting tool for the students who have a list of colleges in mind. Besides, these also serve as a substitute for students who are unable to visit a campus in person. Either way, these college virtual tours are great for students who wish to familiarize themselves with the campus environment.
How can it be done?
A lot of researches have shown that these virtual tours are an authentic way to see a campus and understand what it really feels like to be there. Thus, it not only assists the campuses in acquiring an increased number of admissions but also helps the candidates make the right decision about their further studies.
There are several ways in which a student can experience college virtual tours. They can simply click through a web-based virtual tour of immersive videos and photos designed to be compatible across all devices. Alternatively, some campuses offer their dedicated college app that includes the virtual reality tour. These tours give students a comprehensive understanding of the college, from its architecture to the activities.
Benefits
One of the greatest benefits of college virtual tours is that they increase access to education, particularly for the first-generation students or those coming from low-income backgrounds, who may otherwise find it difficult to physically visit all the shortlisted colleges. Also, for students who live out of state, virtual tours can help them experience the college campus from afar.
Owing to the multifarious benefits of college virtual tours, an unprecedented number of colleges and universities are investing into it. Whether it is campus photos or elaborate videos of the place, these colleges are trying to offer whatever they can to introduce the prospective students to the campus facilities and give them a feel of the space.
Shortlist
Picking a college is no small decision. It can be a life-altering, life-changing decision so it is always better to clearly understand what you are getting into. A number of college deans and top educationists advise prospective students to use college virtual tours as a jumping off point to begin your journey for the search of the best college. After you have shortlisted a few options, you should begin to weigh academic programs, cut-off percentage, admission requirements and all the other factors that can shape your experiences at school.
At the same time, these professionals do not undermine the importance of physically visiting a campus. In fact, a physical visit can, in no way, match the experience offered by college virtual tours. Thus, these tours must be used as a starting point in choosing the best college for your needs and not the end point.
