College visits - best time

<p>When is the best time to visit colleges?
(in terms of seasons, and the year of high school)
I'm currently a high school sophomore, and I was thinking about visiting some colleges over spring break, but would it be better to wait until junior or senior year?</p>

<p>Junior year is nice to go to some colleges, I went to a couple including UCLA and some Cal States.</p>

<p>Senior year, I advice in September/October</p>

<p>and before u make ur choice, if u don't know the campus well or at all</p>

<p>go visit in April</p>

<p>It's fine to do some visits sophomore year, but keep it low key. Stop by a nearby big university and a smaller, liberal arts college, and maybe something in-between in size. These schools don't have to be on your list, but you will want to get a feel for how classes and student life varies on different campuses. You can take the tour or info session, but the info sessions are geared towards upper class students, and 90% of their information is available through websites. Go to a sport meet, play or concert, if those are among your interests. Bring a parent; you want to start talking about college issues and funding, and, surprisingly, some of us have strong opinions :)</p>

<p>I was wondering if it is possible to sit in on some of the classes/lectures as a sophomore.
Will I have to e-mail the professor in advance, or is it okay to just drop by?
Also, is it possible to leave my contact information so I can receive more information from the college?</p>

<p>As for seasons, visit the college during it's ugliest time, if at all possible. It's easy to fall in love with lush green leaves on a rare sunny day, but if you see a school covered in slush or under gray skies and still love it, then you're onto something.</p>

<p>^ that's really good advice. i think i'll use it : )</p>

<p>ait -
Class visitation depends on the college policy. Some schools have a list of classes that you can attend, others will help you make arrangements to visit, others don't allow visitors. Before a college visit, check the information on the webpage of the school's admissions office, and call or e-mail if you still have a question.</p>

<p>Also be sure to check the school's calendar to find out what's going on when you're visiting. Dropping in during the college's Spring Break is going to give you a fairly poor sampling of the school's atmosphere.</p>