Let's say you have a list of 12 colleges to which you'd like to apply. Indicate when you'll graduate, your high school, and your main areas of academic interest. The best time to visit is in September or October of your senior year. It is important to see the campus activities, classes, and students as close to what it will be like when you are attending. However, it is not always possible to visit during the academic year because of distance, family obligations or athletics.
Many families plan their summer vacation around a college tour.
Lets say the list is narrowed to a final group of four to six colleges. Make sure all of these schools are colleges you will be comfortable attending. Each college has a different set of admissions criteria which should be stated in their viewbook or catalog. It is generally acknowledged that high school performance is the best prediction of college success. Some colleges will use the rank in class to compare your academic progress to those of your class mates.