how important is visiting?

[cantmakedecisionsslp]

I am in a very fortunate position where I have multiple schools to decide from for graduate school. So far, I have visited two (we'll call them School A and B ), both of which I was very impressed with and liked! There are two other schools, one of which I won't be able to visit (School C) and one that I was initially planning on visiting this Friday (School D). I can really see myself committing to A or B, so I'm unsure if I still want to visit D. Doing so would involve driving almost 1,000 miles this weekend between going there and back. I feel deep down that I would most likely choose A or B over D, but there's always that part of me that needs to know for sure. I just don't want to waste gas, time, etc. Does anyone have any advice or opinions to weigh in on this? I'm stuck.

[LaceySpeechie]

Hmmm... well, from the perspective of someone living abroad who can't visit anywhere, I'd say it's not the most important thing. I'd say a visit can definitely be helpful, but I've been getting my information from the program websites, research, and speaking to past/current students, which I think has given me a good idea for the positive and negative aspects of different schools. Especially if you're thinking you don't want to go to the school that would be a hassle to visit, I'd say it's unnecessary.

[Rezzy S.]

28 minutes ago, cantmakedecisionsslp said:

I am in a very fortunate position where I have multiple schools to decide from for graduate school. So far, I have visited two (we'll call them School A and B ), both of which I was very impressed with and liked! There are two other schools, one of which I won't be able to visit (School C) and one that I was initially planning on visiting this Friday (School D). I can really see myself committing to A or B, so I'm unsure if I still want to visit D. Doing so would involve driving almost 1,000 miles this weekend between going there and back. I feel deep down that I would most likely choose A or B over D, but there's always that part of me that needs to know for sure. I just don't want to waste gas, time, etc. Does anyone have any advice or opinions to weigh in on this? I'm stuck.

I've been wondering the same thing. I am waiting on 2 more schools, but if I get into neither of those, I'll be deciding between a local school and one 1,500 miles away. I think I want to go visit, but it's expensive regardless of whether I drive or fly. I guess I would recommend you go see it. How many times in life do we have so many open doors that will take us down such different paths (sure, its all SLP, but different professors, friends, cities, opportunities, etc.). Why close off a door prematurely? Sorry I know that is absurdly whimsical and I'm usually all about the practical side of things, but there you go. ?

[cantmakedecisionsslp]

Just now, Rezzy S. said:

I've been wondering the same thing. I am waiting on 2 more schools, but if I get into neither of those, I'll be deciding between a local school and one 1,500 miles away. I think I want to go visit, but it's expensive regardless of whether I drive or fly. I guess I would recommend you go see it. How many times in life do we have so many open doors that will take us down such different paths (sure, its all SLP, but different professors, friends, cities, opportunities, etc.). Why close off a door prematurely? Sorry I know that is absurdly whimsical and I'm usually all about the practical side of things, but there you go. ?

I totally feel you! School A really surprised me when I visited! There was an undeniably supportive and exciting energy when I visited! It was not something I would have experienced had I not visited! 

[emilymstar]

I don't know if it is far and away the most important thing, but I am glad that I was fortunate enough to be able to visit two programs. It really helped me make my decision. For instance, I visited UNT which was one of my top choices and was blown away by their clinic, but less than impressed when I saw the (lack of) diversity in their cohort/accepted students. That may not be important to everyone, but those kind of details helped me solidify my decision and I wouldn't have known that if I didn't visit. So if you can visit, I recommend it. 

[ambermarie]

Visiting can help, but I think it also depends on what your decision criteria is! For me, I'll be deciding ultimately on cost tbh - so while I enjoy visiting schools if I can, I know in the end, I'm going to choose based off the price tag, so it doesn't necessarily matter if I like one campus more than the other.

[BioCook]

24 minutes ago, ambermarie said:

Visiting can help, but I think it also depends on what your decision criteria is! For me, I'll be deciding ultimately on cost tbh - so while I enjoy visiting schools if I can, I know in the end, I'm going to choose based off the price tag, so it doesn't necessarily matter if I like one campus more than the other.

I agree with this! I’m happy to have chosen a school in the same city I went for undergrad, but I can imagine that moving to and exploring a new, unfamiliar city is something to consider.