| I would consider going to Houston during a time not too busy. Interview after the tour and several hours in classes and/or overnight arrangements on the campus if possible. I think many schools consider the applicant's interest in a dead heat, some even more than others (e.g. WUStL heavily discounted one student's lack of an interview or tour several years ago where the offer of a plane ticket had been made in the fall, and they were probably right in terms of yield management). An interview shows interest, and even enthusiasm to the somewhat regional schools. Many hs students are going to be shy, and hopefully the interviewer is skilled at getting a conversation going, especially if there is less time pressure that afternoon.
It is unfortunate that many interviews are so highly stressed by students' fears and desires - a truly bad interview should be avoided, of course, but a good candid interview, once upon a time, might make you too. Many years ago, one seriously nervous nellie student blundered into a totally unexpected interview with four serious-but-curable strikes going in (and some real home runs), enthusiastic after seeing the school, got lit, connected the dots, and waltzed past valedictorians left on the waitlist, courtesy of an engaging Rice interviewer. "...by the way, this counts as your required Rice interview." (no longer required)
If you have the time (and means) I would make a point to see and engage your top 3 or 4 choices. Depending on circumstances, that might be now, to improve admission chances or application choices, or to anytime before May 1 to finally decide where you want to be the next four years. | 
College Confidential is dedicated to providing the best free college admissions information available on the Web, through our many articles and this discussion forum.
