Some schools brag about their SAT numbers, but don't be that bowled over. High scores correlate with wealthy parents, says longtime test critic Monty Neill. Instead, ask about criterion-referenced test scores, which show if students have mastered a body of knowledge. And ask for three years of scores for a sense of trends. That's why college acceptance rate isn't always reliable.
Most schools base it on senior year alone.
If a principal refuses, call the district office to see if official policy encourages visits. Once you are in, here's a battle plan for a half-day visit. Call the guidance department for a public school or the admissions office for a private school. Request a packet with the school profile, student handbook, and a copy of the school newspaper. Read it, but don't always believe it.