AnxiousUrbanPlanner Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 Is it a bad idea to visit a school before admissions decisions are made? Or could it possibly bolster your application? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snyegurachka Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 I don't think visiting will help your application unless you have already been invited to interview. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rising_star Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 It probably won't do much, other than cost you a bunch of money. I would wait to visit until you have acceptances. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grad_wannabe Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 You may need to spring for some of your interview travel costs yourself. I'd save your coin until you get some invites. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jujubea Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 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.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grad_wannabe Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 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... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jujubea Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 see PM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Generis Posted January 15, 2015 Share Posted January 15, 2015 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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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