- lsktravelz@gmail.com
How do you visit nine schools across four states for $425? If you are a member of the Illinois Association for College Admission Counseling (IACAC), you need to sign up for the Bus O’Fun Tour. After years of trying to sync my schedule with the tour dates, I finally made it. Although I had visited EIU and SIUC before, this trip allowed me to dig deeper. Specifically, I tailored my experience by gathering specific application data to bridge the gap between why my students apply and why they ultimately choose to attend (or not).
As a School Counselor, I always encourage students to apply to at least one in-state public school. For Illinois residents, this is vital for financial aid because the Monetary Award Program (MAP) grant is only available to students who stay in-state.
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (SIUC): In contrast to EIU’s mid-sized feel, SIUC operates as a comprehensive research university with a rural, vibrant energy. They have unique niche programs in Aviation, Horticulture/Cannabis, and Fermentation. Additionally, students with an IEP should submit their documentation before enrolling to ensure support is in place on Day 1.
For 2025-2026, 42 Students applied to EIU and 21 applied to SIUC.
3. Union University (Jackson, TN): This school represents a stellar choice for students seeking a Christian education. Their core values, like Christ-Centered and People-Focused, deeply impressed me. Furthermore, UU offers highly accessible scholarship tiers. Do you have students with an ACT score of 18 and a 2.0 GPA? If you answer yes, students can qualify for a $11,000 University Scholarship.
4. Murray State University (Murray, KY): Meanwhile, Murray State became my new favorite! The student panel’s genuine love for MSU was infectious. It’s affordable, career-focused, and has a unique “horse-friendly” campus for vet-med students. Plus, their rep, Lindsey, recently visited our Postsecondary Fair and was a huge hit.
5. University of Tennessee (Knoxville, TN): The energy here was unmatched. The student panel was honest, and the tour of Neyland Stadium was absolutely mesmerizing. It’s clear why students are drawn to the “Volunteer” spirit.
6. Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN): If you are looking at Vanderbilt, keep in mind that this institution maintains a highly selective 5% admission rate. Interestingly, only 12% of the population is from the Midwest. Please keep in mind that Vanderbilt expects a full four-year residency, even for students entering with significant AP, IB, or Dual Credit.
7. University of Kentucky (Lexington, KY): UK stands out as an SEC powerhouse with beautiful facilities. While I usually find dorm tours repetitive, even the housing at UK was impressive. It’s a great fit for students looking for high-energy athletics alongside strong Healthcare and Engineering programs.
Indiana is a fantastic neighbor for our students. While I’ve toured the state before, DePauw and IU Bloomington were new for me.
8. DePauw University (Greencastle, IN): A premier private liberal arts college and a Chicago POSSE partner. Despite my usual caution regarding small private schools, I felt very comfortable here. In particular, an impressive group of women leads the admissions team.
9. Indiana University (Bloomington, IN): This is for the student who wants the “Big Ten” experience—massive diversity, research, and school spirit. Given our school’s talent, the Jacobs School of Music is a must-consider here.
Visiting nine schools in four states was intense, but as a lifelong learner, I found this professional development invaluable. I returned to my students with more than just a brochure. I returned with a real sense of where they will be safe, supported, and successful. Consequently, this is the perfect time for rising Seniors to visit a school or two.
Are you a counselor looking to expand your reach? Don’t wait years as I did—get on the bus!