<p>One option is to visit campuses near your house, so your son can decide whether he wants urban or rural, big or small, defined campus, core or open curriculum, etc. Even if he doesn’t apply to any of the nearby schools, that will help narrow down his list of where to apply.</p>
<p>Some people swear by visits, other kids would rather wait to visit once they are accepted. Many kids can’t visit because of money and distance issues. At minimum, he needs to visit at least a few campuses. It would be a shame if his “dream school” on paper is a small school in the rural boonies and he gets there and realizes he really wants a large, urban campus.</p>
<p>Also – it can be easier to write the “why x school” essay if he has visited the campus. Many of the top schools ask that question.</p>