How to cut down expenses during interview time?

midwesterner
Thu, 08 Feb 2007 12:33:09 +0000

The best way to save significant money is to ask the admissions office if they arrange overnight visits with a student host. If the school doesn’t have an official program, ask everyone in your network of friends if they know a student at the school, and find someone who will host you for a night.

If you do have to go to a hotel, start by checking the school’s website. Many schools have a special rate arrangement with one or more local hotels. It can’t hurt to ask if there is a “College XYZ rate” when you make a reservation. Some hotels will not rent to people under a certain age.

Transportation: Flying is expensive because it saves a lot of time. If you have the extra time, look into flights with a stopover and early morning flights (you may be able to interview and return on the same day.) Don’t forget that you’ll have expenses in commuting from the airport to the school.

Amtrak and Greyhound: Again, the school’s website should have some information. Sometimes the bus or train works out better because it drops you in the center of town. Rural communities may have very few options in public transportation, but a strong informal network of ride-sharing. Find out what the other students do for transportation.

If there are several students from your school who plan on interviewing, you can save some money by traveling together. Perhaps one parent could accompany the students do the driving, since students pay a premium for car rentals. Good luck!