What Should You Look for on a College Campus Tour? With Zach Ogie (Ep. 41)

What should you look for on a college campus tour, and how do you know if a school is truly the right fit?For many families, visiting colleges is one of the most exciting parts of the college application process. It can also feel overwhelming. With so much information available online, it can be difficult to know what actually matters when evaluating a school. Beyond rankings and reputation, how can students and parents confidently determine whether a college is the right fit?In this episode, Abbey Henderson is joined by Zach Ogie, Senior College Counselor at AcceptU and former admissions officer, to share practical strategies for making the most of college campus tours. Drawing on years of admissions experience and thousands of application reviews, Zach explains how students can prepare before visiting campus, what to pay attention to during tours, and why finding the right fit often has more to do with personal priorities than prestige. He also discusses how parents can support the process without taking over, helping students build confidence as they make one of the biggest decisions of their academic journey.Abbey and Zach discuss:How do you know if a college is the right fit? Looking beyond rankings to evaluate academics, campus culture, and location.What should you do before a college campus tour? Using virtual information sessions and research to prepare.What should students pay attention to during a campus visit? Tips for taking notes, asking questions, and comparing schools.How many college tours should you take? Why visiting multiple campuses can lead to better decisions.What role should parents play in the college search? Supporting students while encouraging independence.And more!Connect with Abbey Henderson: LinkedIn: Abbey [email protected] Website: Abaris Financial GroupFacebook: Abaris Financial GroupFacebook: Abbey Henderson: Trusted Financial Advisor & CoachInstagram: @trustedadvisor_coachLinkedIn: Abaris Financial GroupX (Twitter): Abaris Financial GroupConnect with Zach Ogie: LinkedIn: Zach OgieLinkedIn: AcceptUWebsite: AcceptUAbout our Guest:Zach Ogie is a Senior College Counselor at AcceptU, where he helps students in grades 9 through 12 navigate the college admissions process, from building a college list to submitting applications. Before joining AcceptU, Zach worked in college admissions, serving as a campus tour guide and admissions interviewer at his alma mater, Chapman University, and later as an admissions officer at Rice University. Having reviewed thousands of college applications, he brings firsthand insight into what colleges look for and helps families make informed decisions throughout the college search process.