Educational Student Tour

At A-1 Tours, we understand the importance of educational experiences beyond the classroom. That's why we offer a variety of educational student tours designed to inspire learning and foster a deeper understanding of history, arts, and culture. Our historical tours are carefully crafted to include some of the most engaging and educational destinations, from exploring the rich history of Washington, D.C. to experiencing the world of performing arts with Broadway shows in New York City. Students will not only visit these remarkable places but also gain valuable insights that will enhance their academic growth and curiosity.


These educational tours are more than just fun field trips-they're opportunities for students to engage with subjects in ways that textbooks alone can't offer. Whether learning about the nation's past through history museums or witnessing the magic of live theater, our tours provide real-world experiences that enrich classroom learning. Let A-1 Tours make learning an unforgettable adventure that motivates and inspires students to explore the world around them.

March 20, 2025
A bus tour trip to George Washington’s Mount Vernon in the spring through fall offers more than a history lesson. George Washington’s Mount Vernon is a historic landmark and former plantation of the United States’s first president George Washington and his wife Martha. The estate is located in Fairfax County overlooking the beautiful Potomac River. The estate is full of amazing history covered in greenery and flowers making it a stunning destination in the spring and summer months. During this Mount Vernon bus tour, we will explore the estate along with a private guide to learn the history of the estate along with the life of George Washington. We may see: The Mansion: Here we can see the key to Bastille, family portraits & Washington’s private study (entry to the mansion based on availability) The historic area: explores the several outbuildings where enslaved men and women were trained in specific trades. The Tombs: George Washington died at Mount Vernon in 1799. His wish was to be buried in the estate. A new brick tomb was built after his death and in 1831 his remains were moved into the newer tomb. Gardens: the estate has four different gardens. Each garden served its’ own purpose. Today’s visitors can stroll through all of Washington’s four gardens. Visitors Center & Museum: – various exhibitions and films to explore. The sites visited at the estate will be based on time and the guide’s discretion. Lunch can be purchased on its own in the restaurant or food court pavilion. If time allows the group may also visit Historic Alexandria. This is pending traffic and how long they choose to spend at the actual estate. Historic Alexandria: Located approx. 20 minutes from George Washington’s Mount Vernon this makes a wonderful as well as educational detour if time allows. The historic district / Old Town is marked by cobblestone streets and stunning townhouses from the 18th- century. The streets are lined with restaurants and smaller boutiques. In Alexandria, we can stroll King Street and check out the amazing architecture, visit the waterfront, and explore more history. This day in Virginia guarantees an amazing fully customized history lesson suitable for students of all ages. Cost: $85.00 per person based on 45 guests incl. tax, driver’s & guide’s gratuity. Note: The above rates are estimated only subject to availability and change until the time of booking. The final cost will be based on actual inclusions and exact pick-up and drop-off points. The program can be fully customized to meet your needs and budget. The final rate is based on actual inclusions. Please contact A1 Tour’s Tour Manager Josefin Lagnelius for availability, customizations, and exact quote(S) for your group. About A-1’s Guided Tours: For the most immersive and educational experience, the George Washintong's Mount Vernon bus tour will be a mixture of walking and touring onboard the vehicle. Stops may vary based on traffic and time on the day of touring. The group is encouraged to submit any request for stops no later than 10 days before touring. The final itinerary is at the guide’s discretion. The guide will make all attempts possible to accommodate the requests. Tour Includes: Private transfer via suitable size motor coach for 14-hour service Pick up and drop off at your school or other designated starting/ending point. Private guide for touring and coordination Admissions as mentioned. Driver & guide’s gratuities Tour Excludes: Food & beverages not mentioned. Transportation beyond 14-hour service A-1 Tours contact: Josefin Lagnelius Office: 609-919-2037 Cell: 347-340-9259 Email: jlagnelius@a1tours.com
March 20, 2025
At some point, every student will make a trip to historic Gettysburg, PA. We know that studying this historic event can be tedious so what better option than a school trip to this historic site. The battle of Gettysburg was fought in 1863 in and around the town of Gettysburg. It involved the largest number of casualties of the entire war and is considered the turning point of the war. While out on this Gettysburg, PA bus tour, you will tour the battlefield along with your licensed guide. Then you will see the sites where some of this nation’s most historic events took place and you will learn all about the history of what, whom, where & when it took place. From here we’ll head for the visitor center and museum. Here you will see the film “A New Birth of Freedom” narrated by Morgan Freeman. You will also experience the iconic Gettysburg Cyclorama painting, and In the museum, the past comes to life through artifacts and displays. There will also be some time during this Gettysburg bus tour trip to shop for some souvenirs and memorabilia. If time allows there are several other historic sites in the area to visit such as: Eisenhower National Historic Site - home and grounds of President Dwight & First Lady Manie Eisenhower Gettysburg National Cemetery-Burial Place of the Union dead from the battle and the place where President Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address. David Wills House – A National Park Museum and the home where President Lincoln stayed, he finished the Gettysburg Address. These may be added at additional cost. Cost: $72.00 per person based on 45 guests. Incl. tax, driver’s & guide’s gratuity Note: The above rates are estimated only subject to availability and chance until the time of booking. The final cost will be based on actual inclusions and exact pick-up and drop off points. The program can be fully customized to meet your needs and budget. The final rate is based on actual inclusions. Please contact A-1 Tour’s Tour Manager Josefin Lagnelius for availability, customizations, and exact quote(S) for your group. About A-1’s Guided Tours: For the most immersive and educational experience, the tour will be a mixture of walking and touring onboard the vehicle. Stops may vary based on traffic and time on the day of touring. The group is encouraged to submit any request for stops no later than 10 days before touring. The final itinerary is at the guide’s discretion. The guide will make all attempts possible to accommodate the requests. Tour Includes: Private transfer via suitable size motor coach for 11-hour service Pick up and drop off at your school or other designated starting/ending point. Private step-on or walking guide for 2-hour service. Admissions as mentioned Driver & guide’s gratuities Tour Excludes: Food & beverages not mentioned. Transportation beyond 11-hour service A-1 Tours contact: Josefin Lagnelius Office: 609-919-2037 Cell: 347-340-9259 Email: jlagnelius@a1tours.com
March 20, 2025
With its glitz, glamour, and big city appeal, New York City plays in a league if its own. With all of that said, there is also a lot of history to discover and learn. Some of it is not as glamorous as we would assume. This New York City historical day tour features the Tenement Museum as well as Ellis and Liberty Island. These visits give us a great opportunity to explore immigration history and what the story of many immigrants may have looked like. Tenement Museum: The Tenement Museum is a historic site located on Orchard Street in the Lower East Side. This site holds some of NYC’s most fascinating history. The museum’s two historic tenement buildings have served as homes to approx. 15,000 people from over 20 nations. At the museum we will tour some of the recreated apartments, learning about the life of those living there so many generations ago. After the museum visit, we will head to Hudson Eats for lunch on our own. After lunch, the New York City historical tour will depart on the ferry from Battery Park to Ellis and Liberty Island. Ellis Island & Statue of Liberty: We will board the ferry in Liberty Park and explore Ellis & Liberty Island along with our guide. Ellis Island is a small island located in Upper New York Bay, between New York and New Jersey1. It served the United States’ principal immigration reception center from 1892 to 19542. It’s estimated that more than 12 million immigrants passed through its doors during that time. Today, Ellis Island is one of New York’s prime visitor attractions. It is a symbol of the American Dream and a destination for visitors to learn about the history of American immigration. The Statue of Liberty is a neoclassical sculpture located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, in the United States1. It was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and its metal framework was built by Gustave Eiffel1. The statue was dedicated on October 28, 1886, and stands at a height of 305 feet. Offering a magnificent sight. The statue is a figure of Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom1 that also serves as a symbol of welcome to immigrants arriving. The tour of Ellis and Liberty Island will be led by a guide. Parts of the New York City historical tour will be self-guided (such as inside the museums) Admission to Lady Liberty is based on availability. Upon conclusion of visits to the two islands, we will ride the ferry back to Liberty Park, NJ where we will meet up with the coach and driver again for return transfer. Cost: $106.00 per person based on 45 guests incl. tax, driver’s & guide’s gratuity Note: The above rates are estimated only subject to availability and change until the time of booking. The final cost for the New York City historical tour will be based on actual inclusions and exact pick-up and drop-off points. The Tenement Museum is open Monda- Friday for tours. The program can be fully customized to meet your needs and budget. The final rate is based on actual inclusions. Please contact A-1 Tour’s Tour Manager Josefin Lagnelius for availability, customizations, and exact quote(S) for your group. About A-1’s Guided Tours: For the most immersive and educational experience, the New York City historical tour will be a mixture of walking and touring onboard the vehicle. Stops may vary based on traffic and time on the day of touring. The group is encouraged to submit any request for stops no later than 10 days before touring. The final itinerary is at the guide’s discretion. The guide will make all attempts possible to accommodate the requests. Tour Includes: Private transfer via suitable size motor coach for -hour service Pick up and drop off at your school or other designated starting/ending point. Private step-on or walking guide for 2-hour service. Admissions as mentioned. Driver & guide’s gratuities Tour Excludes: Food & beverages Transportation beyond 11-hour service A-1 Tours contact: Josefin Lagnelius Office: 609-919-2037 Cell: 347-340-9259 Email: jlagnelius@a1tours.com
March 20, 2025
Very few social movements in modern history have seen such rapid, wide, and successful growth as the LGBTQ movement. With New York City being such a melting pot for nationalities and cultures it only makes sense that this city also takes a front-row seat when it comes to the history of the gay rights movement. Not surprisingly, New York City has one of the largest and most prominent LGBTQ populations in the world. It has been suggested in mainstream journalism that Gay and Lesbian culture is as much a part of New York's basic identity as yellow cabs and Broadway shows making the LGBTQ community one of the city's strongest and highly respected communities in the city. This has, however, not always been the case. The decades before the 1960s were not particularly welcoming to LGBTQ Americans. Solicitation of same-sex relationships was illegal in New York City. For reasons like this, members of the LGBTQ community flocked to bars and clubs known to be friendly as these places served as "safety zones" where patrons could express themselves without fear of being judged or worse. With that said; this was not at all problem-free. New York State Liquor Authority penalized and shut down establishments known to so serve members of the LGBTQ community arguing (for no apparent reason) that mere gatherings of homosexuals were "disorderly". Much thanks to activists, these regulations were overturned in 1966 allowing alcohol to be served in gay-friendly establishments but any public display of affection among same-sex individuals was still considered illegal. During this time many bars still operated without valid liquor licenses and permits so police interference and raids of gay bars were still very common. The first documented US gay rights organization was “The Society for Human Rights" which was founded in 1924 by a German immigrant Henry Gerber. This organization was later disbanded. Other organizations came along to support gay and lesbian rights such as "The Daughters of Bilitis in San Francisco in the mid-1950s, but the catalyst for the modern gay rights movements is widely believed to be the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City's Greenwich Village - also referred to as Stonewall Uprising. This tour allows us to explore the history and movement of the LGBTQ community in New York City and learn of the event that took to place on the fateful day of June 28, 1969, in Greenwich Village. It is evident that the past has included injustice and sadness for the community but during the past 50 years of history a lot of development has happened, and governmental policies have been put in place to improve life, acceptance, and injustice for so many members of the LGBTQ Pride community in New York City and across the country. New York City Pride Tour Cost: $65.00 per person based on 45 guests incl. tax, driver’s & guide’s gratuity. Note: The above rates are estimated only subject to availability and change until the time of booking. The final cost will be based on actual inclusions and exact pick-up and drop-off points. The program can be fully customized to meet your needs and budget. The final rate is based on actual inclusions. Please contact A1 Tour’s Tour Manager Josefin Lagnelius for availability, customizations, and exact quote(S) for your group. About A1’s Guided Tours: For the most immersive and educational experience, the tour will be a mixture of walking and touring onboard the vehicle. Stops may vary based on traffic and time on the day of touring. The group is encouraged to submit any request for stops no later than 10 days before touring. The final itinerary is at the guide’s discretion. The guide will make all attempts possible to accommodate the requests. ***The NYC Pride Tour will be done by foot and the tour is approx. 1 hour and 15 mins*** Tour Includes: Private transfer via suitable size motor coach for 10-hour service Pick up and drop off at your school or other designated starting/ending point. Private guide for touring and coordination Admissions as mentioned. Driver & guide’s gratuities Tour Excludes: Food & beverages not mentioned. Transportation beyond 10-hour service A1 Tours contact: Josefin Lagnelius Office: 609-919-2037 Cell: 347-340-9259 Email: jlagnelius@a1tours.com
March 19, 2025
New York City is often referred to as the country’s Financial Mecca with Wall Street and the Financial District in in lower Manhattan. However, it is also the home to the glitz & glamor of Broadway. Although Broadway shows generate millions of dollars in revenue each year it should perhaps mostly be recognized for its cultural force and influence on New York City’s Entertainment Industry. The word “Broadway” refers both to the street that runs through Manhattan as well as the American Theatrical Industry that is located there. Broadway is known for producing some of the most iconic shows such as Lion King, Wicked, The Phantom of the Opera, Chicago & Moulin Rouge as well as attracting celebrity performers and visitors. This New York City Broadway bus day tour will allow students to fully immerse themselves in the world of Broadway. Broadway-related workshop: Upon arrival in Manhattan, the group will start their day with a private workshop. This is great practice for those looking to pursue a career in performing arts, like to be on stage, or just have a genuine interest. The Workshop can be tailored to the specific group’s wants, needs, and interests but can focus on acting, singing, reading, auditioning, or practical aspects behind the scenes (stage production). The workshop can also be geared towards the group’s selected evening performance. Lunch on your own and is not included in the price of the New York City Broadway bus tour. A-1 Tours can assist with group meals at an additional cost. Explore Manhattan Theatre District & Museum of Broadway: Along with their private guide, the group will explore Manhattan’s Theatre District on foot. There are currently around 40 Broadway theaters in Manhattan. Each of them holds its own history & charm. The New York City Broadway bus tour may pass theatre fronts of: Winter Garden Theatre The Schubert Theatre The Music Box Theatre The Belasco Theatre These are some of the oldest and most well-known theaters in Manhattan. The group may be able to enter the lobby at some places, if not there will be plenty of photo opportunities outside each theatre and along the way. The group will learn about Broadway’s history – how things got started, the challenges, and how it is today. The group will also visit the Museum of Broadway for a self-guided tour. The Museum of Broadway is located on West 45th Street near Times Square. This museum is the first of its kind and is dedicated to documenting the history and evolution of Broadway and the impact is has on the city. The Museum of Broadway is an interactive experience. The group will be able to view hundreds of costumes, props & artifacts. Dinner on your own and not included in the price of the New York City Broadway bus tour. A-1 Tours can assist with group meals at an additional cost. Broadway Performance: After dinner, the group will walk to a selected theatre to enjoy the evening performance. Performance start approx. around 7:00 pm Orchestra or Mezzanine Seats Cost: $251.00 per person based on 45 guests Incl. tax, driver’s & guide’s gratuity. Note: The above rates are estimated only subject to availability and chance until the time of booking. The final cost will be based on actual inclusions and exact pick-up and drop-off points. The program can be fully customized to meet your needs and budget. The final rate is based on actual inclusions. Please contact A1 Tour’s Tour Manager Josefin Lagnelius for availability, customizations, and exact quote(S) for your group. About A-1’s Guided Tours: For the most immersive and educational experience, the tour will be a mixture of walking and touring onboard the vehicle. Stops may vary based on traffic and time on the day of touring. The group is encouraged to submit any request for stops no later than 10 days before touring. The final itinerary is at the guide’s discretion. The guide will make all attempts possible to accommodate the requests. Broadway Shows: We ask the group to submit 2-3 suggestions for Broadway shows. If the requested show is outside of the budget a surcharge per person may apply. Tour Includes: Private transfer via suitable size motor coach for 13-hour service Pick up and drop off at your school or other designated starting/ending point. Private guide for touring and coordination Admissions as mentioned. Driver & guide’s gratuities Tour Excludes: Food & beverages Transportation beyond 13-hour service A-1 Tours contact: Josefin Lagnelius Office: 609-919-2037 Cell: 347-340-9259 Email: jlagnelius@a1tours.com
March 19, 2025
No history lesson about the American Revolution will beat a visit to the beautiful city of Philadelphia. There is so much to learn. Philadelphia is one of the most historically significant cities in the country, as it was the first capital of the United States and the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. It was a focal point in the American War for Independence and the headquarters of the Continental Congress - the body that declared independence from Great Britain. During this Philadelphia and American Revolutionary War tour, your group will learn all about revolutionary history as they tour some historic sites along with their very own private step-on guide. The group will visit Independence Hall which holds artifacts such as the Liberty Bell & George Washington’s Chair. Other historically important sites on this Philadelphia and American Revolutionary War tour may include: Powel House -18th-century townhouse, home of Samuel & Elizabeth Powel as well as Washington’s 20th wedding anniversary (no entry) The Betsy Ross House - Home & workshop of America’s most famous seamstress (no entry) Carpenter’s Hall - The meeting place of the First Continental Congress Congregation Mikveh Israel Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial Lunch on your own. This is not included in the price of the Philadelphia and American Revolutionary War tour. A-1 Tours can assist with group meals at an additional cost. After lunch group will visit the Museum of American Revolution: Located in the very heart of historic Philadelphia. This museum reveals some inspiring stories about people and events of the past that inspire America’s ongoing experiment in liberty, equality and self-government. Cost: $79.00 per person based on 45 guests incl. tax, driver’s & guide’s gratuity. **The National Constitution Center has a range of programs on Revolutionary History that can be added at additional cost. Please inquire with us if of interest. ** Note: The above rates are estimated only subject to availability and chance until the time of booking. The final cost will be based on actual inclusions and exact pick-up and drop-off points. The program can be fully customized to meet your needs and budget. The final rate is based on actual inclusions. Please contact A-1 Tour’s Tour Manager Josefin Lagnelius for availability, customizations, and exact quote(S) for your group. About A-1’s Guided Tours: For the most immersive and educational experience, the tour will be a mixture of walking and touring onboard the vehicle. Stops may vary based on traffic and time on the day of touring. The group is encouraged to submit any request for stops no later than 10 days before touring. The final itinerary is at the guide’s discretion. The guide will make all attempts possible to accommodate the requests. Tour Includes: Private transfer via suitable size motor coach for 9-hour service Pick up and drop off at your school or other designated starting/ending point. Private guide for touring and coordination Admissions as mentioned. Driver & guide’s gratuities Tour Excludes: Food & beverages Transportation beyond 9-hour service A-1 Tours contact: Josefin Lagnelius Office: 609-919-2037 Cell: 347-340-9259 Email: jlagnelius@a1tours.com
March 19, 2025
Washington, D.C. – the capital city of the United States of America and the center of POWER! The city hosts all three branches of the U.S. federal government. During this Washington, D.C. history bus tour, guests get to learn about the functions of Congress, the executive branch – the president, and the Supreme Court. How many senators does the House of Congress have? And how long are the terms of each representative in the house? The group may also learn about the “secret” tunnels under the city that our lawmakers supposedly use – IF they exist?! The group will get stunning views of the White House either from the Great Lawn or from Pennsylvania Avenue – no entry but plenty of photo opportunities! Along with their private guide, the group will explore the Monuments and Memorials of the National Mall. Monuments, Memorials & Attractions may include: The Washington Monument Korean War Veterans Memorial Vietnam Veterans Memorial Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial National World War II Memorial The Reflection Pool The Capitol Building The Library of Congress The Supreme Court Lincoln Memorial Roosevelt Memorial Jefferson Memorial Lunch on your own. This is not included in the price. A1 Tours can assist with group meals at an additional cost. After lunch group will visit the Capitol Building: The Washington, D.C. history bus tour group will tour parts of the Capitol Building, they will see: The Crypt – the area beneath the Rotunda because of its’ resemblance to areas in churches The Rotunda – the symbolic large domed circular room located in the center of the US Capitol Building. The National Statuary Hall – Also referred to as the Old Hall of the House. Currently houses the main exhibition for the National Statuary Hall Collection. Note: The Washington, D.C. history bus tour of the Capitol may not be fully private. Based on availability. Cost: $95.00 per person based on 45 guests Incl. tax, driver’s & guide’s gratuity. Note: The above rates are estimated only subject to availability and chance until the time of booking. The final cost of the Washington, D.C. history bus tour will be based on actual inclusions and exact pick-up and drop-off points. The program can be fully customized to meet your needs and budget. The final rate is based on actual inclusions. Please contact A1 Tour’s Tour Manager Josefin Lagnelius for availability, customizations, and exact quote(S) for your group. About A1’s Guided Tours: For the most immersive and educational experience the Washington, D.C. history bus tour will be a mixture of walking and touring onboard the vehicle. Stops may vary based on traffic and time on the day of touring. The group is encouraged to submit any request for stops no later than 10 days prior to touring. The final itinerary is at the guide’s discretion. The guide will make all attempts possible to accommodate the requests. Tour Includes: Private transfer via suitable size motor coach for 9-hour service Pick up and drop off at your school or other designated starting/ending point. Private guide for touring and coordination Admissions as mentioned. Driver & guide’s gratuities Tour Excludes: Food & beverages Transportation beyond 9-hour service A1 Tours contact: Josefin Lagnelius Office: 609-919-2037 Cell: 347-340-9259 Email: jlagnelius@a1tours.com
March 19, 2025
Washington, D.C. – the capital city of the United States of America and the center of POWER! The city hosts all three branches of the U.S. federal government. During this tour, guests get to learn about the functions of Congress, the executive branch – the president, and the Supreme Court. How many senators does the House of Congress have? And how long are the terms of each representative in the house? The group may also learn about the “secret” tunnels under the city that our lawmakers supposedly use – IF they exist?! The group will get stunning views of the White House either from the Great Lawn or from Pennsylvania Avenue – no entry but plenty of photo opportunities! Along with their private guide, the group will explore the Monuments and Memorials of the National Mall. Monuments, Memorials & Attractions may include: The Washington Monument Korean War Veterans Memorial Vietnam Veterans Memorial Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial National World War II Memorial The Reflection Pool The Capitol Building The Library of Congress The Supreme Court Lincoln Memorial Roosevelt Memorial WWII Memorial Sites included will be based on time. Lunch on your own and not included in the price. A1 Tours can assist with group meals at an additional cost. After lunch, the Washington, D.C. trip tour group will visit any of the museums in Smithsonian Institution – they can visit as a group or individually. The museum visits will be self-guided: List of Smithsonian's most popular Institutions: National Museum of African American History & Culture Air & Space Museum American Art Museum American History Museum National Museum of the American Indian Art & Industries Building Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History National Portrait Gallery Smithsonian Gardens Smithsonian National Zoological Park (National Zoo) Some of the museums on this Washington, D.C. tour trip do require a reservation. – Let us know what may be of interest. Cost: $82.00 per person based on 45 guests incl. tax, driver’s & guide’s gratuity. Note: The above rates are estimated only subject to availability and chance until the time of booking. The final cost will be based on actual inclusions and exact pick-up and drop off points. The program can be fully customized to meet your needs and budget. The final rate is based on actual inclusions. Please contact A1 Tour’s Tour Manager Josefin Lagnelius for availability, customizations, and exact quote(S) for your group. About A1’s Guided Tours: For the most immersive and educational experience, the tour will be a mixture of walking and touring onboard the vehicle. Stops may vary based on traffic and time on the day of touring. The group is encouraged to submit any request for stops no later than 10 days before touring. The final itinerary is at the guide’s discretion. The guide will make all attempts possible to accommodate the requests. Tour Includes: Private transfer via suitable size motor coach for 13-hour service Pick up and drop off at your school or other designated starting/ending point. Private guide for touring and coordination Admissions as mentioned. Driver & guide’s gratuities Tour Excludes: Food & beverages not mentioned. Transportation beyond 13-hour service A1 Tours contact: Josefin Lagnelius Office: 609-919-2037 Cell: 347-340-9259 Email: jlagnelius@a1tours.com
March 19, 2025
Applying to college is one of the most important steps in a student’s life. While it can feel overwhelming, building a strong college application doesn’t have to be stressful. With careful planning, dedication, and a focus on showcasing your strengths, you can create an application that stands out from the rest. One of the biggest advantages you can give yourself is starting the college application process early. Don’t wait until senior year to begin preparing.By the end of your sophomore year, you should already be thinking about the kinds of schools you’re interested in and what their admission requirements look like. What to do: Research colleges and their specific requirements, such as test scores, extracurriculars, and GPA. Begin preparing for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT if required by your desired colleges. Keep a calendar of application deadlines and scholarship opportunities. Your GPA is one of the most critical components of your college application. Admissions officers look closely at your academic record to assess your ability to handle college-level coursework. Aim to maintain strong grades throughout all four years of high school. Colleges are looking for well-rounded applicants who demonstrate leadership, dedication, and passion outside the classroom. Your involvement in extracurricular activities shows admissions officers that you are engaged and capable of balancing academics with other commitments. What to Do: Join clubs, sports teams, or organizations that genuinely interest you. Quality is more important than quantity- focus on activities you’re passionate about and aim for leadership roles. Volunteer in your community. Colleges often value students who give back and are involved in causes larger than themselves. Create a long-term commitment to your activities rather than jumping from one club to another each year. Your personal state or college essay is one of the best ways to showcase who you are beyond your grades and test scores. This is your opportunity to tell your story, share your aspirations, and demonstrate what makes you unique. What to Do: Choose a meaningful topic that highlights your strengths, challenges, or growth. Avoid writing about cliche topics that admissions offers read all the time. (Writer’s Note: I wrote about how my Grandfather gave each grandchild $20 every Thanksgiving that we were required to donate to a cause we were passionate about. We would then have to share at Christmas what charity we chose and why. This helped my Grandfather connect with us by learning about what we cared about, while also teaching us how to help others.) Be authentic and vulnerable. Colleges want to get to know the real you/ Proofread and edit your essay multiple times. Consider having a teacher, parent, or mentor review it for clarity and grammar. Colleges appreciate students who show genuine interest in their institution. Attending campus tours. Connecting with admissions representatives, and participating in events can help you stand out from the competition. What to Do: Visit the campuses of the schools you’re interested in (We got you covered here! Join us on one of our variety of college tours to top schools in the region!) Make sure you’re on the college’s radar by signing up for their newsletters or attending webinars. Reach out to admissions counselors with thoughtful questions that show you’ve researched the school. Building the best college application takes time, effort, and careful planning. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to standing out from the crowd. Remember that each component of your application is an opportunity to show colleges who you are and what makes you a great fit for their school! A-1 Tours offers college tours that help high school students visit and explore their top-choice schools. Our tours may even help students discover schools they may not have prior! Seeing campuses in person can help you make more informed decisions about where to apply. Contact us today to learn more about out 2025 College Tours and how we can help you on your journey to higher education!
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