No amount of glossy brochures, DVDs, or stories about a college matches the impact from a campus visit.

Contact each college that interests you and request a campus visit. (You can typically make the request from the school's Website.) Of course, you can always just drop in on a college, but you might have to walk around by yourself rather than being shown around the campus by a student tour guide.

While on the tour, certainly listen to the narrative of the tour guide, but also observe the buildings, classrooms, and the people. Do students look happy? Is the campus attractive? Does it feel like it could be your home for four (or more years)?

Most colleges do not require any kind of interview, but you could at least meet with an admissions counselor while you are on campus -- especially if you have questions that you need answered.

Hint: While you may not be able to visit all the colleges on your initial list, always try to visit the schools that make it to your final list.

Suggestion: More and more schools are offering extended visits that often include an overnight stay and attendance in one or more classes. If it is a college you're very serious about, definitely do the extended visit!

For a more detailed look at the campus visit, please read this Quintessential Careers article: Making the Most of Your Campus Visit.

Need help with any of the terms described on this page? If so, find the answers in our High School College-Bound and College Planning Glossary.