<p>There's only so much research you can do by reading college guides, spending time on CC, and the like. College visits are terribly important. Regardless of whether you get brownie points for demonstrated interest, college is a big investment of time and $$. Would you marry a mail order bride? OK, maybe that's stretching the point.
I wouldn't buy a car without taking a test drive.</p>
<p>Two schools S visited last summer have sent him special applications this past week.
Fees waived, apply by 12/1 or 12/15, get a (likely) acceptance by 12/15 or early February. These are not early decision applications. One school writes, "No new essay. Just submit a graded piece of work."</p>