Do I need to Travel to a School to...

Soccergirl11 · 07-03-2009, 01:20 PM

Hi,

Do I need to travel to a college to be admitted to it?

My mother read that it is neccessary to visit a college campus to be admitted into a program/general admission?

Can someone clarify this for me please?

Thanks in advance.

forgotten620 · 07-03-2009, 01:34 PM

that's definitely not true because that would give a disadvantage to people who cannot afford college-tripping. it's probably a myth that your mom didnt get to the bottom of.

socalscott · 07-03-2009, 02:26 PM

Depending on the school, some keep track of your "interest level", where they see if you visited, called or whatnot
I'm not sure how big of an impact if ANY it has on admission though

Soccergirl11 · 07-03-2009, 02:35 PM

omg..wow

i am not in a position to go to any college for visits, but realistically, does a college campus/area break or make an applicants decision to go there?

mcgoogly · 07-03-2009, 02:47 PM

It has an influence, depending on the school. For per school information you might want to try calling the school's admissions department, as I doubt anyone on this sight has that kind of in-depth knowledge. Generally LACs take "interest" (being on mailing lists, visiting campus, etc) more importantly. Some even require/strongly recommend that you have an on-campus interview

entomom · 07-03-2009, 02:49 PM

First, use the Search function for "demonstrated interest", you will get lots of threads, including this informative (though long) one:

Demonstrated Interest: Or What Colleges Really Want You to Show Them Love?

Then go to this thread to see how different schools weight demonstrated interest.

Links to the Common Data Sets Posted by Colleges

Do understand that there are more ways to show interest in a school than to visit and take a tour. And yes, sometimes touring a school will help a student decide whether to apply or to attend. But, CC is a skewed sample, most students don't see their future college until they set foot on it in the fall to attend.

T26E4 · 07-03-2009, 02:50 PM

soccergirl: while people have directed you to "demonstrated interest" KNOW RIGHT NOW THAT IT DOESN'T MATTER FOR ABOUT 90% of colleges. Travel is not required. What are schools you're targeting? We can probably chime in w/helpful advice.

dshinka · 07-03-2009, 05:17 PM

Generally, no you don't need to visit. There are people who get into schools like Vanderbilt having never visited. Some colleges that strongly suggest an interview may not take you seriously if you lived nearby and didn't make the trip.

That being said, visiting schools can be extremely informational... I would strongly recommend doing it before you apply, if you can, and at least before you accept the decision.

chaosakita · 07-03-2009, 06:13 PM

You don't need to travel at all, but it would be good for you to make sure the school is a fit.

caitylin · 07-03-2009, 06:15 PM

i got into a couple LACs & didnt visit until after i was admitted. there are other ways to show interest in a school besides visiting

Soccergirl11 · 07-03-2009, 06:35 PM

thanks for your responses.

1. what is a LAC?

to respond to many of you,
I am looking at PennState University Park for ED.. for their 7 yr medical program and Duke/Notre Dame/UVA

caitylin · 07-03-2009, 06:38 PM

liberal arts college

the advice applies to other private schools too lol. and i have a friend who will be attending duke who didnt have a chance to visit until AFTER her acceptance.

Soccergirl11 · 07-03-2009, 06:54 PM

does interest in a college mean a lot to the acceptance process?

dshinka · 07-03-2009, 08:26 PM

does interest in a college mean a lot to the acceptance process?

--

It varies from college to college. Generally the more elite colleges don't care about your interest, except maybe when you're borderline/waitlisted. I know that's true at Vanderbilt, for example.

Soccergirl11 · 07-03-2009, 10:31 PM

is being on a email list enough for interest?