<p>I’m from California and I didn’t go to the Admitted Students’ Day. I’ll be honest when I say I sort of regret not going, but if you can’t afford it I just wouldn’t go. I did the makeup Eagle Summit at AU and it was HORRIBLE compared to the regular Eagle Summits. So the one experience I had when I came to AU sort of sucked. If I was in your position 1 year ago back in California, I honestly wouldn’t go. It seems like you know enough about AU and have already made your decision so… that would be the choice I would make.</p>
<p>And to clarify – it is definitely not $1000 to come here. If you book in advance, the right day, have airfare trackers to notify you when deals come around, etc (and I know this is still in prime time when prices rise) you can get tickets anywhere from $400-600. </p>
<p>Any choice you make will be fine!</p>
<p>P.S. One trick: If you don’t want to pay for Discover DC/Freshman Service Experience, contact New Student Programs when they e-mail you about it and write a letter saying “I don’t have enough money” and they’ll sign you up for free. I was bored, tried it, and it worked.</p>