How to get the most out of a college visit?

<p>When my daughter and I would split up during campus visits, I would go to the bookstore or a coffee shop and chat with the adults who were working–this by the way is much easier to do during a summer visit. I asked questions about safety and student attitudes, which is something DD would never ask. </p>

<p>I would also add that DD did not ever visit a school and say, “This is it. This is where I belong.” And we visited a bunch of schools. She had more of an, “I could be happy here” feeling. She also did not visit the school where she ended up until after she was accepted.</p>

<p>I know you’re visiting to decide where to apply, but let me just say, if you plan to also visit schools after you’ve received your acceptances, do NOT go on the special admit days. go on a random day, email an admissions person to tell them you’re coming, but don’t go when all the other accepted students are flooding in to see the place. you can’t possibly get a feel for what the school is actually like.</p>