I agree, E.

Personally, I chose which college I would attend based on their academic programs and which one gave me the best scholarship. The campus tour had NOTHING to do with my decision at all! In fact, I didn't even tour my top three until I had already been accepted to all of them and had scholarship offers on the table from two.

I do alumni recruiting for my undergraduate alma mater, and to me, today's prospective students seem much more concerned with the prestige of a school (i.e., they won't even consider anything except a Division 1 school) than students were when I attended just 10 years ago. To me, that's a shame.

You've gotten some good advice so far. I'd like to add that no, YOU don't need to go on each part of every visit, but your teen does. S/he will be the one living on campus and needs to get the full feel of each one.

I would also suggest that your teen, (not you), make notes of significant (and insignificant) observations that will help distinguish each college. They soon start to blur....

We found out after a few tours/visits that admission reps make notes on EACH contact with potential students, including the first introduction visit. Each contact with your teen is used in evaluations for scholarships, etc. Its also a good idea to have him/her write / email a follow up note to the admissions rep after a visit, especially IF the student is particularly interested in the college. Again, we were told by several reps that all of this adds up to more $$ awarded in scholarships, etc.

Enjoy this new season of your lives! It truly is an adventure!

Yes, he is definitely sending thank-you's to the those he interviews with and the admissions folks. I've been told that visiting/registering is one way that the schools gauge your true interest - you were willing to make the effort early - which can add a little plus to your application later. It is more complicated and competitive than I remember from the darkages. then, going out of state was considered really cutting edge!