Driving into Columbia, I thought touring Mizzou would simply be so I had something to fall back on if my other college choices didn’t work out. Two hours later, I’m standing beside the columns and picturing my college experience, wishing it was closer to being a reality.

I swore I would never go to college in-state, but going on just one campus visit led me to realize that an option I had never considered could actually be the right place for me.

As a student, I am hyper-aware of the importance that my environment has on my education. The difference between my productivity and ability to retain information varies based on the people I am surrounded by and the location itself. 

Both the incredibly welcoming staff and attentive student tour guides connected me to Mizzou, making attending an in-state school more of a possibility for me than it ever was before. I was able to get past the idea that “everyone from your high school will go here” and truly consider the extensive possibilities at Mizzou.

A positive school climate in which students feel safe and have a sense of belonging improves academic achievement, grades and engagement in school according to the National Association of State Boards of Education.

After touring several colleges in different cities, I have gained a more clear understanding of what I will need in a campus to succeed. I have also realized that some schools I previously thought of as top choices were not the best fit for me. 

It can be difficult to grasp the true atmosphere of a campus based on what you hear about online or via word of mouth. You never know how your experience may differ from others based on your personality and needs.. 

Touring colleges has opened my mind to so many new and valuable opportunities that I would have never come across before. It is essential to take advantage of any opportunity to tour campuses to get a better understanding of what is the perfect fit for you.