Colby, Bates, and Bowdoin Tour
Welcome, counselors! It is with great pleasure that Colby, Bates, and Bowdoin invite you to visit our respective campuses and experience the beauty of Maine first-hand. The 2026 CBB Tour will take place from Sunday, September 13 to Tuesday, September 15.
Applications for CBB 2026 are now closed. Please reach out to Associate Director of Admissions Hannah Waltz with any questions.
About the Tour
The CBB Counselor tour is a selective tour designed primarily for secondary school and community-based organization counselors from across the country and provides an opportunity to visit three outstanding liberal arts colleges. The three-day program includes tours, panels, and informational sessions focused on identifying the distinguishing characteristics of each respective school, as well as an opportunity to explore Maine’s largest city, Portland. Following the experience, counselors leave better able to inform and advise their students about these three selective colleges.
Program Details
The program typically takes place from Sunday-Tuesday. Transportation and lodging will be paid for by the CBB consortium and travel arrangements will be made at the discretion of the colleges. With limited time and three great schools to visit, guests will be putting in full days! Programming begins around 7:15 a.m. on Monday and Tuesday morning and concludes after lunch on Tuesday. The robust schedule leaves little time for personal work, so please plan accordingly. Priority will be given to those counselors from distant regions or institutions that have not been represented on a recent tour. Since the tour is restricted in size, we have very limited room for counselors from New England and we cannot consider applications from independent counselors. Due to the limited space, we can only have one counselor per high school or program and no partners can be accommodated.
Selection Process
The online application form submits your request to attend the CBB tour. All applications will be reviewed together following the May 31 deadline (note that applicants are not selected based on when their application is submitted). Notification of selection will be sent via email in mid-June and all applicants will receive a response by the end of June. Please note that only one counselor per school or organization may attend the CBB tour. Recent participation from your school/district or organization will be considered when selecting final participants. Geography will also be a consideration. Counselors located within three hours of campus are encouraged to contact the institutions to arrange individual visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible for me to leave the CBB tour early?
No. We recommend that you carefully review your calendar to make sure there are no conflicts that will prevent you from attending the CBB tour should you be selected. Please make sure that you have cleared the dates of the tour (once they are announced) with your administration in advance. Participants must be present for all scheduled events and are not permitted to leave the tour early unless there are extenuating circumstances.
May I extend my stay in Maine before or after the tour?
We ask that all requests for pre- and post- stays be made when you confirm your attendance. If you are planning to arrive early or leave late, you will be responsible for any lodging and transportation arrangements and costs. We will work with you regarding travel to and from Maine, and are happy to provide recommendations on things to do and places to eat!
Are the provided rooms singles or doubles?
The CBB tour accommodations are all single rooms.
Can I drive my own car during the tour?
No. All participants are expected to ride the coach bus to each campus with the rest of the CBB group in order to get the most out of the tour.
Will I be able to meet with former students from my high school currently attending the CBB colleges?
Each college will reach out to former students from your school or organization to let them know of your visit and provide an opportunity for you to connect.
What if I have dietary restrictions or food allergies?
Please make note of any restrictions or allergies on your application. If you are selected to participate and have specific needs, please contact the CBB coordinator in advance. Many meals will take place in campus dining halls offering many options.
May I apply for the CBB tour as an independent counselor?
Due to limited space on the CBB tour, we will not be able to accommodate independent counselors on the program. Each institution welcomes individual visits from independent counselors throughout the year.