Here's some advice on visiting colleges from the book "Get Into College" (Hundreds of Heads Books, www.hundredsofheads.com, $17.95), straight from people who've done it:

"Don't look at schools that everyone knows and talks about. You need to find a college that is good for you. When I decided to look at Muhlenberg College, most of my friends said, 'Muhlenwhat?' Ignoring their naivete was the best decision I have ever made. When I visited Muhlenberg I felt right at home. There is no better description than to say that it just felt right. There is no such thing as a 'good college.' Good is something that one needs to decide for oneself."

—Melissa Berman, Manalapan, N.J.

"If you plan to participate in an activity, such as the newspaper or the radio station, during your visit speak to students who take part. It's a good way to find out what the people are like and what your chances are of getting involved. I was planning on studying journalism, so going to the student newspaper was one of the first stops I made during my first visit to campus. The students were very supportive and told me to go for it. It puts your mind at ease once you've made the initial contact with those groups."

—Brian Snider, Youngstown, Ohio