6. Look Into Extracurricular/Athletic Interests Or Special Student Services
If you are into acting, go to the Drama Department and speak with professors and students. Ask if you can attend a dramatic production or rehearsal.

If you are an athlete, speak with a coach in your sport; also talk with student athletes. Attend a practice or a game. Check out the athletic facilities.

If volunteering is an interest, visit the community service center on campus and speak with someone about the opportunities they offer students. Check out volunteer prospects as noted on bulletin boards, meeting notices, etc. Ask about activities in areas in which you are already interested (Habitat for Humanity, MADD, tutoring, etc.)

If you are religious or have a strong ethnic background, find out how you might act on either of those affiliations on campus (e.g., ask to visit the college Hillel organization if you are Jewish or meet with the Hispanic student group sponsor if you are Latino).

If you are interested in studying abroad, go to the Study Abroad Office. Ask when, where and for how long most students go on programs.

If you are learning or physically disabled, make an appointment with the head of the disabled services center director. Whatever your special concerns are, see how they are addressed on campus.

If you think you will be applying for financial aid, make an appointment with a financial aids officer. Often, this is more comfortable for parents to do than students.

Find out about activities that will take place while you are on campus, including athletic events, concerts, rallies, special lectures or events, student productions, and anything else that interests you. Sources of information include bulletin boards, activities kiosks, the campus newspaper and students.

adMISSION POSSIBLE® TIP! Some colleges have special guest rooms in dorms set aside for prospective students. This might be a perfect way to stay overnight, combining access with privacy and a good night’s sleep! Ask the college admissions office if such rooms are available. Do this early on because these rooms are often booked way in advance.

7. Check out various housing arrangements
If a dorm visit is not a part of your college tour, ask the admissions office about visiting one or two housing situations. Most colleges offer a variety of residence facilities, including freshman, co-ed, single sex, theme, and all-class dorms, as well as campus apartments, fraternity/sorority houses, small independent houses and cooperatives.

Check out different student rooms (singles, doubles, triples, suites), study coves, lounge areas, bathrooms and, of course, the dining hall.

Also ask the admissions office to arrange for you to have a meal while you are visiting a residence. Because of security concerns, most non-residents cannot just walk into a dorm and have a meal. You will need to get permission to do this.