Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service 12-09-2003

Here's how to get the most out of your college tour

Here's how to get the most out of your college tour

--Find regular college students to talk to, not just the tour guide. Ask them what they did on Saturday night.

--If you're really serious about the school, try to get some face time with an admissions officer.

--Grab the student newspaper and other college publications to see what some of the issues and activities are on campus. Check out the bulletin boards, too.

--Sit in on one or more classes.

--Compare and contrast the school with others very critically, the way a college compares you to other applicants. Develop a personal set of rankings with criteria that matter to you.

--Get off the "money walk." Take a look at the part of the college the formal tour doesn't take you.

--Check out the town.

--Ask yourself: Can you live here for at least four years of your life?

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Source: College admissions officers and experts

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(c) 2003, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.