Before stepping onto a campus or starting a virtual visit, you, the student, should first think about your own needs, interests, and strengths, and what aspects of college life are most important to you.
 
Thinking about your own needs first will help determine what you want to see and ask. Secondly, do some research before the visit: read about the school in one or more of the guidebooks or explore the college's website, then contact the admissions office to schedule whatever options are available for a formal visit. Also inquire about interviews. If they are offered, we strongly recommend that you take advantage of the opportunity to sit down with an admissions representative for a one-on-one conversation. Most colleges do not begin interviewing until late spring. An interview may be evaluative or simply a chance for you to learn more about the school. 
 
Here is some advice about:
 
Visiting colleges by region
Making the most of a college visit - In Person
Making the most of a college visit - Virtually
Questions to ask on college visits
 
Remember that the purpose of a visit is to assess the suitability of that college for you. Do not be shy about asking questions. If you have a particular academic or extracurricular interest and would like to meet with a professor or coach, inquire about that at the time you schedule your visit. If you do meet with someone outside the admissions office, be sure that you are prepared to ask questions; don't expect them to direct the conversation (although many of them will). Asking a professor how many majors graduate in his or her department each year and what they do afterward may be a good place to begin.
 
When you are on a college campus, pick up a student newspaper, eat in the dining hall, and make sure that you stop into the admissions office. For many colleges, this indication of your interest may become very important. (If the office is closed, slide a piece of paper with your name, address, high school, and areas of interest under the door). As you are driving away, write down your initial impressions of the school—these will be very helpful later! One family experienced in searching for colleges (many boys!) suggested that after every visit, their son write an email to himself and to them, recounting his impressions of the visit.