Some thoughts on this: 1) when you tour the science building does the college have research labs? Research labs are different from classroom labs; 2) Are the research labs filled with supplies or empty?; 3) Do you see people in the research labs?; 4) Do you see research posters on the walls? How many? Are the posters from most professors’ labs or only one or two professors?; 5) Compare the course catalogs between schools for variety but also check the course schedule to see how often courses are held; 6) Talk to the faculty and ask if students (and how many) participate in research outside of the classroom; 7) Do students present their research at conferences?; 8) What percentage of students go to graduate school?; 9) How much money does the college give to faculty and students to perform research?; 10) How large are the science classes?; 11) What percentage of students perform research?; 12) What type of equipment does the college have for research?