Visit Before or After Admissions Decision?

[AnxiousUrbanPlanner]

Is it a bad idea to visit a school before admissions decisions are made? Or could it possibly bolster your application?

[snyegurachka]

I don't think visiting will help your application unless you have already been invited to interview. 

[rising_star]

It probably won't do much, other than cost you a bunch of money. I would wait to visit until you have acceptances.

[grad_wannabe]

You may need to spring for some of your interview travel costs yourself. I'd save your coin until you get some invites. 

[jujubea]

If your schools are close, I'd say go for it. 

It was made fairly clear to me that my visits (which I took the initiative to arrange, but was very welcomed) were helpful to the admissions deciders. It was definitely very helpful to me, and I was able to remove one of the programs from my list after seeing how poor of a fit it was. I also got insights into the actual "feel" of the places, the people, the environment, the TA's offices (or lack thereof).. etc..

[grad_wannabe]

If your schools are close, I'd say go for it. 

It was made fairly clear to me that my visits (which I took the initiative to arrange, but was very welcomed) were helpful to the admissions deciders. It was definitely very helpful to me, and I was able to remove one of the programs from my list after seeing how poor of a fit it was. I also got insights into the actual "feel" of the places, the people, the environment, the TA's offices (or lack thereof).. etc..

 

Can I ask how this was made clear? I visited most of my prospective campuses last October and met with several POIs, I'm hoping that helps my apps but I'm still playing the waiting game...

[jujubea]

see PM

[Generis]

I met with one POI beforehand, and it was a very positive experience. I learned a lot about the program, and discovered various overlapping values the POI and I both had about our field and learned about other opportunities. I used these points in my SOP about how I was a good fit for the program.

It earned me an interview, so I have no regrets! I'd say one of the most important things is that I learned that the POI's personality could "mesh" well with mine. I want graduate school to be productive and positive, not hell on earth!