<p>I am going to a few college campuses next month to check the college and the places around it out. I have heard that admissions officers like to hear about why you are specifically interested in their school, so I am going to use that as a launching pad for my essay. However, what else should I note when I am on the tour or anything. What is very important for me to write down and use? (worded better, what do you recommended I look out for).</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>well, id say the most important thing you can do is actually maybe the easiest, which is to talk to students directly on campus. they're absolutely awesome to get advice from because they're (usually) pretty eager to tell you more about their school, but they'll tell you the bad stuff too, which is priceless compared to what the school reps will tell you. with this you can really see what you dislike or like about that school and it will defenitly help you make a decision in the future. however, dont go up to a student who may be talking to a bunch of people, carrying a bunch of stuff or looking like they're in a hurry. heck, if you find someone with real insight, buy them lunch and ask away!!!</p>
<p>a couple more things for you to do:</p>
<p>1) if you are with your parents, take some time alone to stroll the campus by yourself and think to yourself "could i imagine spending the next 4 years of my life here?". this will also come in handy if your parents are asking embarassing questions...</p>
<p>2) if you can go talk to a professor in one of the prospective departments you're interested in. they may even put in a good word for you when it comes time for admissions!</p>
<p>3) take pictures!!! just for fun, or if you're into the whole campus prettiness thing ( like me haha) it'll help out later.</p>
<p>hope it helps!</p>
<p>I applied to Caltech, and one of the essays was about why I find Caltech appealing. I described stuff that I saw in the bookstore (piles of pocket protectors).</p>