I’ve been looking at the calendar lately and it’s becoming more apparent that we will be unable to visit every school on our list of schools to which D may apply prior to actually applying. We are looking for merit, so our list is fairly long.
Given the following list of un-visited schools that are currently under consideration (changes frequently), if you have any anecdotal information (I’ve checked CDS) about the importance of visiting prior to applying, I would be interested. We are trying to prioritize our visits while classes are in session (spring/fall):
[]Pitt
[]Tulane
[]U of Richmond
[]Emory
[]Vanderbilt
[]Northeastern
[]Rice
[]UGA
[]Kenyon
[]Grinnell
[]Temple
[]Ohio State
Some basic data points that may be helpful: We are in Chicagoland area, stats: 4.0 UW and 34 ACT.
The best advice I’ve heard on CC for when you can’t visit everywhere is visit the safeties. The selective admission/aid “dream school” can wait until you’ve been accepted, but make sure the “sure thing” school is someplace your child can actually feel good about attending.
Two things…
–I would google the common data set for each school and put a priority on visiting schools that take demonstrated interest into account in the admissions decision.
–I would also make it a point to visit a mix of large, medium and small schools since your list is so diverse. Your D may find she prefers or doesn’t like one of the “types” of school and that could narrow down your list.
I wonder if your list is driven by a particular intended major? It seems broad in the sense that you have representation
from HUGE OOS public schools, private Southern Greek-life dominant schools, and then small LACs in with no Greek life in rural areas. Temple might be on the list for guaranteed merit aid for stats as a financial safety? If that IS the case, add U of Alabama for full tuition scholarship for stats. The application literally takes less than 5 mins. I agree with visiting the safety schools - make sure they fit.
If you have a budget for what you plan to pay - that can by your guide. For instance - don’t bother visiting U Richmond
(they say demonstrated interest counts zero anyway) unless student makes semi-finalist for Richmond Scholars - unless you can afford to pay full freight or are need aid eligible. Same goes for many others on your list if this is the case.
Tulane is big on visiting for demonstrating interest. You don’t need to visit Grinnell and Kenyon ahead of application.
Agree with what previous posters have said about visiting schools of various types & locales. While you may be on the chase for merit money, it may not be worth it if it means attending a school of a type your D is unhappy at.
Thanks, @lots2do. Yes, list is driven by the intended major, for the most part. We’ve seen other schools, and have some that we already plan to see. This list is the remainder, if you can imagine.
We do have a budget. Schools like Richmond are a financial reach. If a visit prior to applying (and thus, prior to Richmond Scholarship announcements) isn’t found to be necessary, then we will skip the visit. So this info is very helpful.
So, I’m hearing a vote for Tulane for a visit. I’d heard this was case, but has been difficult to schedule.
And, thanks so much for the tip about visiting safeties. This is actually the first I’d hear that idea.
@happy1 Our spring break we will be visiting a range of schools, so it may help to reduce this remaining list. I hope.