Religion Ph.D. Professor Meeting Question

[DivSchoolHopeful1942]

Hi all, quick question. Beginning to apply to Ph.D. programs in religion for this coming application cycle, and a professor gave me a choice of doing a Zoom meeting with her about the program this summer or visiting a bunch of the faculty and students in-person in the fall. I think it's an either/or kind of deal. I'm leaning toward the latter, and going in-person; is that a mistake for chances of admission, i.e., should I try and meet with the professor as early as possible in the summer? Or does it not really matter at this point in the cycle? I'd much rather meet people in person and explore the campus that way.

[sacklunch]

Latter. They will get a much better impression of you in person (and you of them). Also, you will be fresh on their minds when apps are actually under review (Dec-Jan-Feb). If you meet via Zoom this summer it will be 6+ months until they review apps.