How do you afford all those college visits?

cptofthehouse
Fri, 30 Nov 2007 02:37:01 +0000

Paying3tuitions, (yeah, that’ll be me next year), a few years ago, our second child did get into such schools (should visit types) without visiting. His GC really pushed for him to visit to the point that she said it was nearly essential for acceptance. But due to his schedule the time was not there because he did not want to give up time from other commitments. So he e-mailed and explained why he like the schools, and for names of local contacts that could see. One was a school not far (3 hours) from home, and he really should have made the time. Well, he did get in to them, but he also put a lot of time e-mailing and talking to the admissions office. As for “fit”, it was pretty clear that it was there. The schools were not in areas that different from where we lived. He, in fact, mentioned how he liked a nearby school that was similar,but what it lacked in what he wanted that School X had. He also knew kids at one of the other schools. So he got in. And you are right, that it would not be a “shut out” from not visiting. But it CAN make a difference in certain schools. I guess what I am saying is that it’s too strong to say,“You won’t get in if you don’t visit.”, but when the admission director tells you, “visit, visit, visit” as your GC says the same, if you can, do. Especially if it is a top choice. IF it puts true burden, let them know of your interest.

Though I agree with what that adcom said about the importance of seeing if the environment is even a fit if you are from a very different place, this visiting business has made this process unnerving and I can’t help but feel that there is also the reason that it separates the more serious applicants because so many kids are applying to so many schools, and that senior visit gives the adcoms some sense of where the college is on the list since it can be ornerous to visit too many school in that time. They are also aware of those who are financially strapped to do this. And the counselor can add a word about that too. Interestingly enough, several schools did not want the kids to interview. Just visit. Though there are schools with recommended or required interviews as well (those will offer off site interviews as well). I bring the visit business up since it is such a big change from my college days when so few people visited unless the school was on their way for something or nearby.