Visit the Campus

Once you identified your priorities, you can narrow your list of possible colleges. When you've got it down to six or seven, the serious shopping begins. Start with a college visit.

Visiting the campus is the best way to learn about a school. It gives you the opportunity to see the professors and students in action, use and explore the facilities, and get a feel for what college life would be like at that school. While campus visits aren't necessary, they are highly recommended, and most colleges have organized visit programs.

While you visit a campus, you should:

• Pay attention to equipment and school facilities.
• Sit in on a class or two.
• Talk with current students in the program.
• Talk with instructors in the program.
• Talk with an admissions counselor.
• Talk with a financial aid counselor.

Don't be afraid to wander around on your own to get a feel for the school and the people. Also, check if the school has an extended campus visit program where prospective students stay overnight in the dormitory.