Colleges and universities send out a barrage of online recruitment materials, but because of the high stakes environment for both schools and potential students, overwhelmed families are checking the data against their instincts by taking the low-tech route: the guided, on-foot campus tour. And colleges like Temple are devoting money and expertise to ensure that when those families show up, the visit is a close-the-deal experience. "They're coming to a diverse, thriving institution, and we want them to experience that from the moment they step on campus," said Niki Mendrinos, Temple's associate director for campus visit programs.