Is it worth it?

[Starlajane]

I'm wondering if it is worth it to attend an Open House invite that pays only a small amount of travel et al. expenses...?

I am interested in attending this school but am wondering if their invitation parallels the sort of funding I might expect if I am offered admission? Does funding for travel expenses vary according to candidate and/or their interest in that candidate? Is it any indication of possible future funding offers? The e-mail stated that they are able to offer TAships to "advanced doctoral students" and I am applying as an MA candidate. Is it their way of saying that I am in the running but not for funding?

I can't accept an unfunded offer of admission, and even travelling on my own dime is difficut; I certainly don't want to spend that money only to receive a rejection or an unfunded acceptance. What would you do?

[ANDS!]

I would say it depends on who is inviting you. Getting face time with competitive programs makes it that much easier for a committee (or someone on the committee or even a possible advisor) to recommend you.

[RedPanda]

There's no harm in going for a visit...and you can pump the current students in the program for information about the funding climate while you're there.

[rising_star]

There's no harm in going for a visit...and you can pump the current students in the program for information about the funding climate while you're there.

You can also do this via email/phone/Skype WITHOUT visiting. TBH, I've never discussed funding when someone was actually visiting but have numerous times via email.

I would say it depends on who is inviting you. Getting face time with competitive programs makes it that much easier for a committee (or someone on the committee or even a possible advisor) to recommend you.

At the same time, it can make it easier for people to decide they don't want to work with you.

Were it me, I wouldn't visit until I knew I'd been admitted with funding. An "open house" sort of thing is too general and may not give you facetime with the people you want to meet.