<p>Momsdream, it does not matter if the visits were recorded in some data base. The child’s interest can be demonstrated on his own. In his cover letter or other parts of the application, when discussing why he wants to attend X college, he should demonstrate specific reasons why and how he gleaned this from exploring the college through his visit, talking to so and so on the visit, and what not. My D did visit all her schools and met with professors, coaches, current students, and so forth. She never did this for an admissions “advantage” but rather to suit her own needs to learn more about a place she may have to commit to for four years and wanting it to meet her criteria/needs. Even if she never had to write an application, she would have done this for herself. However, indeed the adcoms did know about it because it was referred to in her application, letters, contacts with those on campus, and in interviews. It came up because in showing interest, the source of it arose. It did not matter if there was some counter on the tour and info. session. </p>
<p>I recall last year, only one of my D’s colleges sent a rep to her high school and that person was an admissions officer from Smith. My daughter met one on one with her as she was the only kid to attend the session. She told me that the adcom remarked to her over and over again how she was impressed with how much my D already knew about the school (and she had not even yet visited). Then when she went to visit later on and went to the info. session, who should be leading it but that same adcom who remarked, you don’t even need this info. session because I recall how much you already know about Smith! I recall her telling me that the admissions officer for Conn College (her safety school) who came to our state to conduct personal interviews with applicants, also remarked to her how much he observed that she knew about the school. She demonstrated as much interest in her safety school as her reach schools. She had done a comprehensive visit to Conn College and I guess it came across when they were discussing the school, enough for him to remark to her about her knowledge of the school. I think they do care about this, like it or not. </p>
<p>I agree with Driver that a school wants to know you have explored them as well and so there is fit on both ends of this. They also have a vested interest in that factor because they can’t take everyone who is qualified and would be more inclined to take someone who they felt really wanted to come there. That is not a far fetched notion. While I agree with others that this means an expense, I think there are ways to explore a school and subsequently show interest without that expense. For instance, a student could email a department head in her major to learn more and same with current students. She should do this because she wants to genuinely find out more, not to play part of some admissions game. Perhaps she will come away with something that really piques her interest and it will come up on her application and in her interview where she should demonstrate why she wants to go to that particular school. I know as a college interviewer myself, this very question comes up. </p>
<p>As well, when articulating Why X College, the answer better not be generic where the kid could write the same thing for each school and change the name (ie., I like the location, it has my major, I like the size and the dorms). It should be quite specific, showing that the student has done her homework that she SHOULD do because in picking out a place to live and learn for four years (let alone plop down huge amounts of money), the student should have explored the fit of the school and be able to tell why she wants to go. That can be done for little expense and obviously the visits cost more but in essence, it is about the “interest” factor, not so much how much you spend to investigate the college. </p>
<p>While visits are truly a major expense (believe me, I know, my current applicant must travel to 8 schools to audition in a three month period), I highly recommend it because there is no way I would want my daughter to pick a school out based on what she has read only. It is way different in person, let alone by speaking to those on campus, stuff you cannot just read about. The expense is surely a problem. People could just visit their preferred schools and then only visit the others if need be in April when acceptances roll in, as one way to keep costs down. The cost of tuition is so high that I think the cost of a trip to visit is a small percentage of that greater sum. I would not pick a house out without seeing it first either. Nonetheless, I do agree with others that the system favors those who can afford this. I still think there are ways to explore a school and demonstrate sincere interest without spending a great deal. </p>
<p>Like it or not, it is very true today with college admissions that “interest” is one factor. Not the biggest factor but surely one of them. When it is so competitive to get in, ya gotta address all factors weighed in the admissions process.</p>
<p>Susan</p>