highheels

I am wondering whether I should just buy some videos and watch them whether than just going there.

The videos are from http://www.collegiatechoice.com/

I will probably get the ones for UC davis, UC irvine, UCLA, and UCSD. I am going to one of these colleges in the fall and I want to see them before I choose, I am having a tough time deciding. I can also just take a week off of work ( I am a senior and work 25-30 hours/week during the schoolyear) and drive there and actually visit the campus. But I am really short on money and I am wondering if these videos are worth it (fifteen bucks each).

Anybody seen these videos before? Is it really worth it to drive there? btw, how old are these videos?

LaidBackGuy

just check out theu.com, it's free and gives you good feel

ekn111

and then go visit the actual campuses...it's worth it.

quitejaded

I've never seen the videos before, but I'm pretty sure ACTUALLY BEING THERE is better than watching videos.

If it is too expensive, then watch the videos.

willmingtonwave

Hahaha, I agree, you truly can feel the atmosphere of the campus better, where on a video you can see. Seeing and feeling are different.

MaggieO

I've seen six of these videos and they were helpful in narrowing down the schools that my daughter wanted to visit. Of course, when it comes to your final choice, real visits are necessary.

I didn't like theu's online (or purchased) videos. They were cleverly edited, but not very helpful. The collegiatechoice videos were somewhat boring, but they just followed along with the colleges' regular tour for prospectives. They were a good substitue for the official tours, but not for the sense of the college that comes from hanging our or staying in the dorms.

apumic

I agree with the other posters--visiting really is far more useful since the "feel" of the school is what matters. No matter how beautiful the campus looks or how friendly the students and staff seem on a video, you're really not getting the whole school when you watch a video--only what fits into the authors' frame, so even if they try and show an "unbiased" representation of the school, you are still only get a tiny fraction of the story (that which they thought was important).
I would definitely AT LEAST visit the schools you are more serious about attending. Otherwise, you may find yourself at a school that's a poor fit for you!

laserprecision

I'd never pick a college based on a video....visiting UC's is extremely valuable, especially if you're trying to find one where you fit in socially (walk around during passing hours).