Good tip from Arun. If a college on your list:
1. Is relatively close to home
2. Offers on-campus interviews that are evaluative (the kind that count during the admissions process)
Schedule the interview now, but pick a date in October or November, if possible.
You don’t gain an advantage by interviewing any earlier. And if you wait until later this fall, you’ll have had a chance to work on your “Why this school?” essays, and you’ll probably be able to discuss your interest more thoughtfully.
(It works just as well for colleges that aren’t close to home, but you may not have as much scheduling freedom if you’re traveling.)