SchoolScoops FAQs

SchoolScoops is a platform that connects prospective students and families with real college students for private, 1-on-1 campus tours and video chats. Instead of large, scripted group tours led by admissions staff, SchoolScoops offers authentic conversations where you can ask real questions and get unfiltered insights about academics, dorms, student life, and campus culture.

Booking a tour is simple. Search for a school you’re interested in, select a student guide who matches your interests (like major, hobbies, or background), choose a date, and book a private in-person or virtual tour. Each tour is personalized-no scripts, no sales pitch, just honest answers from real college students who live the experience every day.

Traditional campus tours are typically group sessions led by admissions employees who follow a standard route. SchoolScoops tours are private, flexible, and student-led. You pick your guide, decide what you want to see, and ask questions that matter to you-from the best dorms and dining halls to what classes and campus life are really like.

No. SchoolScoops is an independent platform and is not affiliated or endorsed by any university. This allows guides to share genuine, unbiased experiences about academics, social life, and what it’s really like to attend their school.

Yes. A private college tour through SchoolScoops offers an authentic look at life on campus from a current student’s perspective. You’ll get personalized insights that can help you make one of the biggest decisions of your life-choosing the right college.

SchoolScoops features guides from top public and private universities across the U.S.-including schools like Florida State University, University of Michigan, Virginia Tech, and more. The list grows every month as new guides join the platform. You can search all available schools right on our Explore Schools page.

Absolutely. Many students and families use SchoolScoops to compare multiple colleges side-by-side. You can schedule several in-person tours or video chats across different schools to get a better sense of which campus feels like home.

Start by narrowing your list based on what matters most to you-academic programs, campus size, location, student life, and cost. Once you have a shortlist, book private college tours through SchoolScoops to experience each school firsthand. Talking to real students gives you insights you can’t find online, helping you figure out where you’ll truly feel at home.

Most students begin touring colleges during their sophomore or junior year of high school, but it’s never too early to start exploring virtually. SchoolScoops makes it easy to take 1-on-1 college video tours or schedule in-person visits whenever you’re ready, so you can compare schools at your own pace.

Absolutely. Touring a college before applying helps you understand the environment, culture, and opportunities each school offers. A SchoolScoops private campus tour lets you ask honest questions about student life, academics, and admissions, so you can decide if it’s worth applying-and craft stronger, more personal application essays.

Pay attention to what daily student life feels like. Notice how students interact, what facilities are available, and whether the campus feels welcoming. During a student-led college tour with SchoolScoops, ask your guide about academics, housing, dining, safety, and weekend life-everything that affects your day-to-day experience as a student.

There’s no exact number, but most students tour 5–8 colleges before making a decision. Virtual tours are a great way to narrow your list, then you can visit top contenders in person through SchoolScoops for a deeper look.

Private college tours help you make informed decisions and stand out in your applications. Many students use what they learn from SchoolScoops tours in their personal statements or “Why This College” essays, showing genuine interest and firsthand experience.

Yes. Touring a variety of schools helps you understand financial aid options, scholarships, and cost of living. Many SchoolScoops guides share real advice on managing expenses and finding affordable housing near campus.

An official campus tour is run by admissions and focuses on promoting the school. A student-led tour through SchoolScoops is private, personal, and unfiltered-your guide doesn’t work for the school, so you’ll get honest insights about what’s great (and what’s not) from someone who actually lives there.

Yes. Virtual college tours are perfect for students who can’t travel or want to explore multiple campuses quickly. A SchoolScoops video chat gives you real interaction with a current student-so you can still get a feel for campus culture and student life from anywhere.

Each tour is completely personalized. Your guide will walk you through key parts of campus-like dorms, dining halls, libraries, and hangout spots-while sharing their own experiences as a student. You’ll have plenty of time to ask questions about academics, professors, social life, and anything else you’re curious about.

All SchoolScoops tours are private and 1-on-1. You’ll never be part of a big group or have to compete for attention. This personalized format helps you get honest answers and a real feel for the school environment.

Most SchoolScoops campus tours last between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the school size and your interests. Virtual video chats usually run for about 30–45 minutes. Each experience is flexible and tailored to your schedule.

Yes! Parents are welcome to join both in-person and virtual tours. It’s a great way to ask questions about safety, housing, costs, and overall student support.

Definitely. SchoolScoops offers 1-on-1 video chats with real students, so you can explore college life without traveling. Virtual tours are especially helpful for out-of-state schools or early in your college search.

Here are some great questions to ask your tour guide:

• What do you wish you knew before coming here?
• How hard are the classes in your major?
• What’s the social life like on weekends?
• Are the dorms and dining halls good?
• How easy is it to meet people and make friends?
• What do students usually do off-campus?
• How’s the balance between academics and fun?
• Are there any traditions or events that make this school special?

SchoolScoops tours are built for open conversation — your guide is there to answer honestly.

Bring your questions! It also helps to review the school’s website or programs you’re interested in beforehand. If you’re touring in person, wear comfortable shoes and check the weather-your guide will be walking you through real parts of campus.

Guides are current college students who volunteer to share their authentic experiences. They represent different majors, interests, and backgrounds-so you can connect with someone who truly understands your goals.

Yes. You can browse available guides by school, read their bios, and choose the one who best fits your interests-whether you’re looking for a first-generation student, an athlete, or someone in your desired major.

That’s exactly what it’s designed for. Talking to real students gives you insights that go beyond brochures and rankings-so you can understand campus culture, academic pressure, and the day-to-day student experience before committing.

Absolutely. Most students use SchoolScoops during their college search and application process to narrow down options and decide where to apply.

While SchoolScoops isn’t part of the admissions process, it can help you make smarter choices and write stronger essays. Many students use what they learn on tours to explain why a school is the right fit in their applications.

Yes. Every student guide goes through an application and verification process before being approved. Tours are conducted in public campus areas or through secure video chat.

Yes, parents can easily book and pay for tours online. You’ll receive confirmation details, guide information, and tour instructions by email.

Guides can show typical student spaces like libraries, dining halls, and quads-but access to certain buildings may depend on campus rules. Most guides focus on showing where daily student life actually happens.

Pricing for private campus tours or video chats are $75 per hour.

Yes. You can cancel or reschedule through your account dashboard, following the cancellation policy provided at checkout.

Yes. Guides earn money for each tour or video chat they host.

You can apply directly through the Become a Guide page. Once approved, you’ll create a profile, set your schedule, and start connecting with prospective students for tours or video chats.

Guides must be currently enrolled at their university, professional, and passionate about helping future students. Strong communication skills and reliability are key.

Payments are made through Stripe after each completed tour. Guides receive secure, direct payouts.

No. You just need a device with a camera and internet connection-like a laptop, tablet, or phone.

Yes! Both prospective and current international students can book or host tours. It’s a great way to explore U.S. universities virtually before applying.

Yes. The platform and tour process are designed to be accessible, and you can discuss any accommodations needed directly with your guide before booking.