Optimal college tours in California for high school students?

Planning to take some college tours in California this spring but I'm at a loss as to which colleges would provide the most enlightening and beneficial visits for us high school juniors. Anyone got any recommendations or tips?

Planning a college tour in California can be both exciting and overwhelming given the state's vastness and the number of distinguished colleges available. I would recommend beginning with a mix of both UCs (University of California) and Cal State universities, along with a few private colleges as well. This way, you get a good sense of what different types of institutions offer.

Start with the UCs as they are considered heavily research-oriented. You could visit UC Berkeley, which will offer a taste of a bustling college town with robust academic and extracurricular activity. UCLA can provide a perspective on a university nestled in a metropolitan setting like Los Angeles. UC Santa Barbara and UC San Diego have beautiful campuses worth seeing. These are just a few amongst the nine UC campuses.

Switching to the Cal State system, you'll find more focused degree programs and a strong emphasis on practical learning. A campus like CSU Long Beach or San Diego State could be enlightening visits.

For your private college tours, Stanford would be a good choice to see what an elite private university looks like. schools like USC and Pepperdine are also very different from the public universities and worth touring.

Also, consider touring a few liberal arts colleges, such as Pomona or Claremont McKenna, to get a flavor for the small college experience where teaching is often the faculty’s primary focus.

Each campus visit should ideally include an info session, campus tour, and any other opportunities to talk with current students about their experiences. Don't shy away from asking questions about the things that matter to you, be it academics, internship opportunities, campus life, or financial aid. Remember each tour will be unique to the school, so keep an open mind and enjoy exploring.

Lastly, remember that some institutions may be following COVID restrictions and might only offer virtual tours or specific visit slots. Be sure to check each university's visitation policies online beforehand to plan accordingly, and to maximize your tour experience.