1. Try to hone in on your "gut feelings" about a campus — are you comfortable there?
2. Arrive a few minutes early, so you can find where to meet and walk around a little on your own. If you're earlier than a few minutes, drive around to see what the surrounding area is like.
3. Have some questions ready for impromptu Q & A sessions — specific questions can come later.
4. Complete any surveys offered about your visit. This way, colleges can stay in contact with you about future tours or visits and improve the event for next year.
5. Remember, one visit to a dorm room, lab or classroom or a student guide's experience might not represent the entire campus. If you're still curious, come back during the school year when there are classes in session and students milling around.
6. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes.
7. Bring a notebook to write down your thoughts and feelings while you're there. After a few visits, all the campuses might start to blur together; you can even take pictures to remember what you saw.
8. If you're intrigued by a school, find out whom to contact about setting up a later visit and follow up.

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