Colleges usually have open campuses. If you want to take an informal tour, nearly every college will let you. Nearly all wouldn’t even know you were there (altho getting in to see a dorm might be a problems since those usually have security and locked front doors).

I worked at a college in admission for four years – most of the time we were willing to acommodate a student if s/he couldn’t make it to a formal program. This all depends on what you want to do with your visit: do you just want to see the grounds, or do you want to actually learn about the school? It is in your best interest to meet with someone – both in terms of admission to the university and in terms of helping you decide which school is best for you. If for some reason a school can’t acommodate, be sure to call their admission staff and talk with them about what type of information you would have heard on your campus tour. If the school isn’t willing to budge (or doesn’t seem apologetic about the fact that the times don’t work out) to help you get a better sense of the institution, that should tell you something about that school.

Yes you can walk around and see everything. Sometimes it’s best to see when summer or winter session hours are if you want to go during a break. That way you can see more of what the rooms and buildings are like. I live on campus and have had people come up to me as I am unlocking my door and they ask me if they can see my room or they ask about housing. I answer questions and let them take a peek if they want. It’s just a room and pretty boring but it gives them an idea.

Most of the time, the schools will arrange a private tour for you if you call 2 or so weeks ahead of time. Also, ask if they have a student you can spend the night with in the dorm — that way you’ll get the “unofficial” guide to the school as well. Many private schools have student admissions peer reps who will let you spend the night.

Good luck!

Of course! Just walk around. Stop by the visitors center for a map, and feel free to stop students to ask questions.