Now was the time to visit schools. Apart from actually going to college, visiting is the most expensive but most important part of the whole process. Mom and I drove out East to visit schools after my junior year in high school. Television shows, Animal House, and ABC Sports all contribute to profound misinformation about what you are doing when you go to college. College is not about the East Coast and ivy-covered brick.
College is about acquiring knowledge.
Disregard all the other stuff as much as you can, and look for the place that will best teach you what you want to learn. There is a hidden danger here, though. Even if you do, you probably don't. I have a friend whom I affectionately call Brick. And I know at least two former premeds who are now film majors.