Four thoughts students have when they spot a tour group

Photo courtesy of smc.edu

We’ve all been there. You’re running a few minutes late and pedal your bike faster, picking up speed to make up for lost time and (hopefully) get to class on time. But your plan is soon foiled when you suddenly have to slam on your brakes to avoid hitting the masses of people traversing campus. Now that USC has sent acceptance letters to the potential members of the class of 2019, tour groups are a constant presence on campus as high schoolers decide whether or not USC is the right fit. As you make your way around — or through — the packs of contemplative high school seniors and eager parents led by an enthusiastic, backwards-walking tour guide, a few thoughts likely run through your mind.

1) Aww…I remember the first time I toured!

Spotting tour groups makes it easy to feel nostalgic for the days when you were in their shoes. You remember weaving through campus and listening to the tour guide talk about the flags in VKC and the kicking of the poles. If this tour had been before decisions came out, you would have been mentally calculating  your own academic stats against USC admitted student averages. If it had been after you received your acceptance, you would still in disbelief that you got in, wondering there had been some sort of a mistake.

And now, if you happen to be near Bovard when you spot a tour, you can’t help but remember your first group chant of “Fight on!” or your first obligatory picture with Tommy Trojan. Ah, to be young again.

2) Are they looking at me? Do I look okay? Be cool — act the way Trojans should so that they get a good picture of student life.

Once the nostalgic daydreaming ends, you realize that you are, in fact, riding right past the tour group. Given that you’re probably wearing backpack, they know you’re a student. Chances are, they’re going to glance at you, marveling at the wonder that is the college student. Maybe you woke up late and are looking a little disheveled. You worry that you are going to singlehandedly give the students and parents a bad impression of the school. You smile at them to signal that you’re not as much of the mess you might appear to be. Stay calm. Act natural.

3) They’re all staring longingly….

It’s no secret that college life is better than high school life, so when prospective students see you, they’re likely going to stare longingly, wishing they could be in your place. If they have not yet been accepted, they’re jealous that you got in and are eagerly awaiting their own decision. If they’re already in, they are probably in the middle of a bout of senioritis and want nothing more than to leave for college already. Pass by politely and smile to reassure them that good things will come for them in due time.

4) Is that my friend giving a tour right now…?

Why yes, yes it is. And you better shout at them to fight on because we all love hearing them shout back as many “Fight on’s” as possible.