How many schools you visit depends on your time and money. You may not be able to visit every school you're considering, but try to at least visit schools that'll provide a variety of experiences.

For example, check out a large and a small school or go to one urban and one small-town campus. For those you can't visit, do the best you can with research and word-of-mouth. Consider visiting colleges in your area (even if you aren't interested in attending them) to get a feel for campus life.

Make the most of your campus visits

• Do some prep work: Before the visit, decide what you want to learn about the school and put together a list of questions. Use a similar list for every school so you can make fair comparisons.
• Schedule your visit at least two weeks in advance: Call the admissions office to arrange your visit and inquire about campus tours. Ask to sit in on a class, eat in the cafeteria with students, spend the night in a dorm, and use the campus facilities.
• Visit while classes are in session: Fall is the ideal time to visit college campuses — classes are in session and campus activities are in full swing.
• Set up interviews with faculty and admissions staff: Arrange to meet with professors who teach subjects that interest you. Meet with an admissions rep to verify admission requirements and discuss costs and financial aid.
• Take the campus tour: Gain access to more of the campus — your tour guide can be a great source of candid information.
• Attend information sessions: Schedule your interviews after the information session and the campus tour. You’ll speak more knowledgeably and have better questions.
• Ask lots of questions: Ask students what they like best and least about the school, what the campus is like on weekends, and which professors are best. Read the student newspaper and bulletin board postings.
• Trust your instincts, take notes, and bring a camera: Pay attention to your first impressions. Keep notes and take pictures to jog your memory as decision time approaches. After you’ve seen a few campuses, it's easy to confuse the details.
• Send thank you notes: After visiting a college, remember to send thank you notes. It's polite and could get you noticed.

Your powers of observation

Pay attention to how you feel, especially first impressions. Each campus has a personality and atmosphere.

• Ask yourself, "Is this where I want to live and study for four years?"
• Drive or walk through surrounding neighborhoods and get a feel for the community.
• Take notes and, when something catches your interest, follow up with a phone call or email.