<p>I know that nothing beats an actual visit, but does anyone know how to get the real deal on a school from a student's perspective?</p>
<p>One thing I would recommed is to read the campus newspaper online. Keep in mind that happy students may not take the time to post as much as the unhappy ones on the type of sites you mentioned.</p>
<p>the campus paper[s] is/are a good bet.</p>
<p>Also, try to get an email address of someone, and you can ask questions that way. Try to avoid the tour guide types b/c they have the poster spiel about how great the school is, especially during tours.</p>