Open House

[gaaaaaah]

I've been accepted to only one program with decent funding, so I'm certain that I'm going to go there. That said, I'd really like to go to the Open House weekend, but they are not funding travel expenses, and the plane tickets are rather on the steep side. How important is it to attend one of these events? Should I just suck it up, pay with a credit card and go? Or is it something that isn't a big deal if it's missed? I'd really appreciate any input.

[TransnationalHistory]

I've been accepted to only one program with decent funding, so I'm certain that I'm going to go there. That said, I'd really like to go to the Open House weekend, but they are not funding travel expenses, and the plane tickets are rather on the steep side. How important is it to attend one of these events? Should I just suck it up, pay with a credit card and go? Or is it something that isn't a big deal if it's missed? I'd really appreciate any input.

If you are certain that's where you are headed, then I wouldn't feel compelled to visit. You can arrange phone interviews with any professor you'd want to work with, and email current grad students if you have some questions to ask before taking the plunge. Visiting is only really key if you are trying to make a choice. Nobody is going to judge you for not going...you'll certainly have plenty of time to meet/talk with your department in next 5-7 years.