The flowers are blooming, the morning frost is fading, and many high school juniors are beginning to research colleges. As March and April of junior year approach, you may notice that some students plan campus visits during spring break. You may feel social pressure to follow the same path, but visiting dozens of colleges is not necessary. College visits require both time and money, and even a visit to a nearby university can provide helpful insight into college life.

Earlier this year, when people asked about my college preferences, I thought I wanted a campus similar to my high school. Since I attend a small liberal arts school, I told my counselor that I preferred a small college with about 1,000–4,000 students and a strong liberal arts program. After visiting three schools—a large university, an urban university, and a small liberal arts college—I realized I felt overwhelmed in the largest campus and somewhat isolated in the smallest. From this experience, I learned that I actually prefer a medium-sized university that offers strong internship, job, and academic opportunities. Visiting campuses helps clarify what truly matters to you.

This spring break I am not doing a massive tour of schools, but I am taking a trip to the city of Los Angeles because it is only a two-hour flight from my home. Here are 4 steps I used for planning this trip that I think would be useful for any high school junior going through this process.

1.Pick one (possibly two) cities.

Though traveling across a region to visit colleges is possible, many people find it exhausting. You do not need to visit every school before applying. Instead, focus on a few schools in a concentrated area. In general, try not to tour more than two colleges per day.

I am planning to tour the Los Angeles area. I will visit both large and small schools that offer programs matching my interests. This approach will help me gain perspective on schools in Southern California without visiting so many that they blur together in my memory.

2. Pick schools where you might actually apply.

Visiting college campuses is exhausting and it is not worth your time to see a school you already know you don’t like or you are not able to afford. Only tour schools where you would be excited to attend and could see yourself wearing that school’s sweatshirt. This will require some research ahead of time, but it will save you time and money. Online, you can schedule tours and information sessions ahead of time to ensure a spot at each school. Be sure to also check each academic calendar to make sure the college is not on break or in the middle of finals.

3. Email professors and look for options to sit in on a class.

This step may seem intimidating, but it helps you gather information that tours and information sessions cannot provide. Many schools allow you to sit in on a class when you register for a tour. If this option is not available, contact the admissions office or email a professor ahead of time to request class observation.

While on campus, talk to professors to better understand the school atmosphere. For example, I emailed an orchestra director at one school I was touring and asked if I could attend a rehearsal. He was happy to let me watch. To use this opportunity, move past the idea that professors are intimidating. Remember that many professors are excited to help prospective students.

4. Create a list of three or four specific things you need in a school

When visiting multiple campuses, it can be hard to make fair comparisons. One school may show dorms, the gym, and the student café during a tour. Another school may focus on the performing arts center, classrooms, or dining hall. Because of this, it is helpful to create a list of the most important things you want in a college campus.

For example, if you enjoy swimming, chemistry, and Greek life, include them on your list. At every campus you visit, check the pool, chemistry labs and classrooms, and the locations of sorority and fraternity houses. Campus tours often do not show everything, so take time to explore these places on your own.

Here are some highlights from my Southern California trip, featuring Scripps College and Claremont McKenna College.