East Coast College Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Boston University

Morning: Arrive in Boston and check into your hotel. Start your day with a campus tour of Boston University, exploring its vibrant urban setting along the Charles River.

Afternoon: Visit the BU Admissions Office for an information session and Q&A, followed by lunch at a nearby café.

Evening: Take a stroll through the Boston Public Garden and enjoy dinner in the Back Bay neighborhood, soaking in the historic charm of the city.

Day 2: Harvard University & MIT

Morning: Head to Cambridge for a guided tour of Harvard University, including a walk through Harvard Yard and visits to key landmarks like the Widener Library.

Afternoon: Explore the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) campus and attend an engineering showcase or student-led tour if available.

Evening: Have dinner along Harvard Square and enjoy the lively atmosphere with street performances and local shops.

Day 3: New York University & Columbia University

Morning: Travel to New York City and start with a visit to New York University (NYU). Walk through the Washington Square Park area and attend an information session.

Afternoon: Head uptown to Columbia University for a campus tour, including the Low Library and Butler Library, followed by a visit to the nearby neighborhood of Morningside Heights.

Evening: Enjoy dinner in the Upper West Side, soaking in the vibrant city atmosphere and skyline views.

Day 4: University of Pennsylvania & Departure

Morning: Travel to Philadelphia and tour the historic University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) campus, visiting iconic buildings like the Fisher Fine Arts Library and the Quad.

Afternoon: Attend an admissions meeting and enjoy lunch at a local eatery in University City. If time permits, explore the nearby Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Evening: Prepare for departure, or if staying longer, have a relaxed evening exploring Center City Philadelphia.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Boston University Tour: 2 hours, $0 (free)
• BU Admissions Session: 1 hour, $0 (free)
• Boston Public Garden: 1 hour, $0 (free)
• Harvard University Tour: 2 hours, $0 (free)
• MIT Campus Visit & Showcase: 2 hours, $0 (free)
• NYU Campus Tour: 1.5 hours, $0 (free)
• Columbia University Tour: 1.5 hours, $0 (free)
• University of Pennsylvania Tour: 2 hours, $0 (free)
• Admissions Meetings: 2 hours total, $0 (free)
• Intercity Travel (Boston–NYC–Philadelphia): Approx. 6 hours total, $120 (bus/train fares)
• Meals: 8 meals, approx. $25 each, $200
• Accommodation: 3 nights, approx. $150 per night, $450

Total Estimated Cost: $770

Tips

To extend your trip, consider adding more universities in the region such as Princeton University or Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, allowing deeper exploration of campus life and nearby cities. For a shorter trip, focus on just Boston and New York City, reducing travel time and costs while still visiting four major schools.