<p>I have narrowed down a list of schools that I will be applying to, but the list is quite long, and I am having a hard time figuring out which one I really want to go to. With many of these schools, a good number of which are Ivies, academic criterion are roughly the same. I understand that some have a more structured curriculum than others, but I need to learn more about the school beyond just class. </p>
<p>What are good ways, other than visiting for tours, to get a good sense of the culture and unique spirit of different schools?</p>
<p>Visits are the best way. However, if that isn’t possible I would do things like 1) go through the school websites in detail to understand the course offerings, any core curriculum etc. 2) get your hands on some college guide books (I like Princeton Review and Fiske but there are many others) 3) See if you can do an alumni interview near where you live 4) attend any school presentations near where you live 5) see if you can visit some schools near where you live to see if you develop any preferences as to size, location etc. for schools 6) look at school newspapers online once schools are back in session</p>