<p>I think that showing interest really does pays off (I think it helped my S get into a reach school by proving that he was a good fit not just another applicant. Also he applied to 2 equal level state schools, got accepted to both but a scholarship to the one he showed interest in.) Narrow down to those schools that you really want and pursue them. S e-mailed admissions with questions, attended local events. You can tell admissions that due to family circumstances you cannot visit but would like to know certain things. I think that schools realize that certain families are gung ho but others are antagonistic even.</p>