<p>When would the best time to visit harvard and the other elite schools? I was thinking that it would be best to tour in the fall when the classes are in session so I could get a feel for the university.</p>
<p>Do the top schools have programs which allow you to do this? Would there be time available to tour and finish the applications???</p>
<p>harvard has a list of classes you can sit in on available in the admissions office. UPenn's list is online. If you have any friends at the schools you're visiting, I highly recommend you call them up. I toured the ivies and ended up liking Harvard and UPenn best, coincidenally (not) the two in which I had a friend show me around and tell me what they love about it.</p>
<p>I think that in general, it is always better to visit a school when it's in session. I don't believe that elite colleges are any different in that respect from any other schools. And by the way, Rooster 527, those were my son's two favorites as well.</p>
<p>Do the schools have programs where you can stay with a college kid?</p>
<p>Yes, they do. If you have time to do this, it's invaluable.</p>