Announcing the Final Examination of Mr. Christopher M. Thompson for the degree of Doctor of Education
This study investigated the influence of virtual campus tours on the college choice process by exploring the role of virtual campus tours in the college choice model and perceived student-institution fit. The first part of the study analyzed seven virtual campus tours; the second part of the study analyzed interviews from 13 students. The interview questions focused on student experiences with virtual campus tours, college choice models, perceived student-institution fit, campus environment, student life, and academics. This study expanded upon the knowledge base of virtual campus tours and their role in the college choice process. Findings suggest that students utilized virtual campus tours during the search and choice phase of the college choice model and that through virtual campus tours students were able obtain some level of student-institution fit by evaluating their level of compatibility between their personal characteristics and the characteristics of the institution. Additional findings suggest that virtual campus tours were not a substitute for physical in-person campus tours and that they were not a deciding factor when selecting an institution to enroll. Recommendations were made for applications of virtual campus tours in the college recruitment process and for continued research of the various formats of virtual campus tours.
Committee in Charge:
Dr. Timothy Letzring
Dr. RoSusan Bartee
Dr. Nancy Marshall
Dr. Lou Sabina
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