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VISIT COLLEGE WEBSITES

From videos to dorm photos to dining hall menus, most college websites are full of information. You can learn about the latest campus news, read the college’s mission statement, and dig into details about academic departments and student life. Of course, you’ll also find information about admissions and financial aid. Head to the admissions website and you are likely to find student interviews, videos and other information about students and campus life. Don’t forget about , either, as most college admissions offices – and even some campus clubs and organizations – have YouTube channels.

TAKE VIRTUAL TOURS

Many colleges offer virtual campus tours that let you explore a university’s campus, dorms, classrooms and other facilities from your computer or mobile phone. The tours often feature video walkthroughs and interactive or immersive experiences. Some tours are hosted by student guides and include real-time Q&A sessions; others are self-guided.

LOOK AT STUDENT NEWSPAPERS

Most colleges have one or more newspapers or blogs written by and for students. You will usually find the latest edition on the college's website. Perusing a few issues can give you an idea of what students consider important, how they like to have fun, and what activities and events are popular.

TALK TO COLLEGE REPS

The admissions rep for your area can answer questions you might have and help you better understand whether you are a good fit for the college. Many reps do presentations at high schools or at local venues, such as community centers or hotels. These are great opportunities to learn more about a college and to meet the rep in person. Check the college’s website or contact its admissions office for the name and contact information for your local re.

ATTEND COLLEGE FAIRS

College fairs offer students the chance to learn about multiple colleges at a single event and interact directly with college reps. College fairs often showcase hundreds of colleges, so you should plan your time wisely. It’s a good idea to prepare questions in advance because it will help you make the most of your time, get specific information about the colleges you’re interested in, and leave a good impression on admissions reps. See Do's and Don'ts for College Fairs to learn how to have a productive experience.

WELCOME COLLEGE MAILINGS

Want to receive information about a college by mail or e-mail? Go to its admissions website and sign up for its mailing list. If you took the SAT or ACT, chances are you are on many college mailing lists already. Scan these mailings for new information, stories about students and alumni, and pictures of the campus.

CONNECT WITH COLLEGE STUDENTS

From YouTube to Reddit to TikTok, college students have many ways to sound off about their college. These comments will give you a feel for what some students think about the school – and what sort of people go there. Also ask friends, teachers, and parents if they know college students you can talk to in person or over the phone. Don’t forget to check out CollegeData’s Road to College Student Stories and Stories from College for interviews with students at colleges across the country.

ARRANGE FOR LOCAL INTERVIEWS

Contact the college admissions office to find out if you can interview a local alumnus or a current student. If the college offers or requires interviews, you should definitely schedule one through the admission office. For tips, see Get the Most from Your College Interviews.

LOOK FOR FLY-IN PROGRAMS AND TRAVEL GRANTS

If college visits aren’t in the budget, check whether any schools on your list help with travel costs. Some offer fly-in programs that cover airfare and let students stay on campus for a weekend to experience dorm life and campus events. These programs can be competitive and fill up fast, with priority often given to low-income or first-generation students, so plan ahead. Other schools, such as , provide travel grants for students who visit and enroll later.

Even if you can’t visit every college on your list, you can still learn a lot about a school by doing your own research from home. The more exploring you do – whether virtually or in person – the more confident you are likely to be about your college list and your college choice.