Campus Visit: I can't decide!

[jesso21]

(I'm currently an undergrad in Ohio)

U of Illinois is having an orientation/visit on April 6th (Monday), I'd have to fly to and from. (Illinois is one of my top three program choices)

Then on April 8th (Wednesday), I'm flying to New Orleans to present at a national conference.

(I'd have to miss my undergrad classes because of these trips)

Would it be too much/too difficult/overwhelming to try to go to the April 6th event? I can't get out of the April 8th one. I sort of want to go, but if anything goes wrong (miss flight, canceled flight, etc.), I'll be screwed.

My mom says I def. shouldn't go to Illinois, but I'm looking for some more opinions. I need to let them know today! :!:

Thanks!

[socialpsych]

I'd go if you can. Fly from Illinois straight to the conference.

A few people on these boards have stories about how visiting campuses changed their opinions of the schools they visited. I don't think it would be too difficult or overwhelming--at least I hope not, because I'm visiting four schools next week!

[jesso21]

I do want to go to check out the school, profs, and other students!

Hrmmm, I don't think I can fly directly to the conference. I'm going with a group, and we've already bought tickets. But I could ask to see what can be changed....

@ 4 schools!

[rising_star]

Fly to Illinois, fly to the conference, then fly back to Ohio. Last year I flew to a conference then went from there to a visiting weekend. Yes, I missed some school and work but it was definitely worth it (met cool colleagues at the conference and visited a program that I subsequently realized I would've been really unhappy attending). Yes, you'll miss some class. But it's worth it when you're making a decision about the next several years of your life, imo.