Does visitng before applying make any difference? (MS courses)

[Shikharv]

Does it make a significant difference in getting an admit in MS courses if one can personally meet professors?

I have studied B.Arch in India from one of the reputed colleges and have 5 years of experience. I am applying for MS for UX and Product Design courses and have an option to move to the U.S. with my husband in August (while the application deadline is between next year Jan-Feb), this will help me meet professors in person, but I am not sure if this will help in getting an admit or in any other way. Will appreciate if folks can share their point of view or if someone can share their experience of doing the above (meeting professors)

 

The reason why I am in two minds is because logistically it is difficult for me to move to the US before applying but can make it happen if it increases my chances getting an admit.

I have already identified most of the universities for which I will apply (mostly in the Bay area).

 

If I don't move before applying it will give me additional 20-25 days to prepare my application, portfolio etc.

 

 

[BiochemMom]

I just graduated from an ms program. The chair of my department has explicitly told me in the past they selected one student for the program specifically because he came to visit on his own and showed initiative and interest in the program. My alma mater does not do interview rounds for ms program, only for PhD.

[eeee1923]

It's very program dependent. Like BiochemMom stated it may help or it could just show the program you take initiative but may not play any significance in the final admission. Make sure you can present the strongest applicant profile you can (GRE scores, SoP, and LoRs).