Campus visits can never start too soon, and if you have yet to take one, now’s the time. Take the opportunity to establish dialogues with admissions counselors early in the college planning process, and request media packets from those schools that you want to learn more about. Connect with the Department Head in your projected major to find out about the depth of the degree program you are considering, as this can be a good indicator of whether a college or university will satisfy your academic pursuits.
Arrange visits prior to, and well before your desired date to make a campus tour. This gives admissions a chance to organize an itinerary so that you can sit in on a class, speak with current students, visit a dorm, dine in the cafeteria, and maybe even stay the night on campus.
Be sure to check out student bulletin boards, posters, the school newspaper, message boards, and find out what is going on in and around campus. Make a mental note of what campus groups are available, student concerns if any, and upcoming social activities. These can offer a wealth of information and give you insight into student life and the social side of college.