<p>sjmom, that sounds similar to our approach. I, too, have a very logical son, so maybe that is the way to go with such types. :)
My son was able to eliminate one school through the visits. Once he was there, he realized how small and relatively isolated it was, and that helped him knock it off the list. The visit also boosted one that had been low on the list up to the top two (and eventually, the one he picked). Although it was bigger than he thought he wanted, he found he felt comfortable there, and was able to see how many opportunities and activities it offered. </p>
<p>I have a feeling, however, that he would have made the same final choice, regardless of visits. (As a music major, he needed lessons to make sure of the proper fit with instructors. However, he found he felt good about all three of the teachers he had lessons with.)</p>