10 ways to control the cost of college visits

Applying to College
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<p>Just in time for the end-of-summer/early-fall rush . . .</p>

<p>10</a> ways to control the cost of college visits - USATODAY.com</p>

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<p>that's helpful, thanks! :)</p>

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<p>Stay in state, national, or local campgrounds of you've got camping equipment already. We did that recently for about $10/night, and all the campgrounds were within 30 minutes of the colleges.</p>

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<p>Students should also contact admission offices to see if there are any special programs that might include transportation, housing, and meals. These can include campus preview days, where alumni volunteers may fill a minivan with prospective students who will then spend a night on campus and eat meals for free, and even "fly-in visits" (typically targeting underrepresented minority students), where the college picks up the tab for airfare.</p>

<p>Of course, when students are taking advantage of such freebies, Mom and Dad don't usually get to see the college, too. But, still, these events can be a valuable way for students to form their own opinions, and then parents can visit those schools that pass muster and save some dough by skipping the ones that don't.</p>

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<p>Dig deep into memory banks to identify family (immediate and extended) and friends who live in the area and stay with them. Just remember not to overstay your welcome! :)</p>

<p>Also, some schools have guest housing facilities on campus at more affordable rates, e.g., UCLA's Guest House. You might have to make your reservation ahead of time especially if your visit coincides with a campus event, and staying on campus will provide you with a better idea of what residential life is like.</p>

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<p>wait college visits cost money ? I think I just make an appointment with the college and then start looking around ?</p>

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<p>
[quote]
wait college visits cost money ? I think I just make an appointment with the college and then start looking around ?

[/quote]

So airfare/gas, food, lodging, etc are all free?</p>

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<p>Eating at the dining hall saves money? What?</p>

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<p>As opposed to eating in restaurants, presumably.</p>

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<p>Not the case at Caltech, where I went to undergrad...</p>

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<p>At some schools, if you register for a particular college tour at around 11 a.m. or so, you also get to eat in the dining hall for free.</p>