<p>MPM - though it sounds like school calendars are conspiring against you, I'd definitely split this trip. I'd also add Macalester to the itinerary. </p>
<p>Fly into one midwest city; fly back from another fares on Northwest are usually about the same as roundtrips. Nice of course if you can do a Saturday stay. Chicago and Minneapolis have enough to do if you need to kill some time.</p>
<p>MenloPM-Carleton will be on break from March 15th through March 27th. There are tours and info sessions scheduled during that time, however the campus will be very quiet. <a href="http://www.carleton.edu/admissions/overview/visiting/special_dates.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.carleton.edu/admissions/overview/visiting/special_dates.html</a></p>
<p>I agree with other posters that visiting schools in major cities are a trip in themselves as there is so much more to see and do while there.</p>