<p>Happened with two schools so far. First back in February when I went out to visit Mizzou. Until yesterday, I was more excited about Mizzou than any other school. Then I saw UNC, and it's now my top choice.</p>
<p>Way back in my day.... drove onto the Lafayette College campus and said, "Now THIS is what a college is supposed to look like." Applied ED, went there, loved it.</p>
<p>I fell madly in love with the Wellesley campus when I visited, but after a while my infatuation cooled off a bit and I was able to think a little more clearly. I applied and was accepted, but I realized that although there were many things I loved about the school, I didn't really want to attend a women's college. Also, it helped that I got into more prestigious schools that offered me more financial aid. In fact, the campus of the school I plan to attend next year was one of my least favorite during my college search, but that's not to say that I'm not very excited about going there! Ultimately, one shouldn't base a college decision on looks. I mean, it's nice to live somewhere pretty, but as my Swarthmore interviewer advised me, once you settle into any new location it just becomes your home--you get used to it. It's not ugly or beautiful, it just is.</p>
<p>I do still love Wellesley though. Also Amherst and Swarthmore. Beautiful places to visit.</p>
<p>I had heard Yale was in a bad area, so I was surprised to find that the area immediately surrounding the campus looked like a shady suburban park. Obviously there are rougher areas surrounding Yale, but I just thought the campus was so pretty and gave a feeling of seclusion despite its setting. I doubt I'll get into Yale, so I'm keeping things in perspective, but after touring the campus I'd gladly attend if I were admitted. :)</p>
<p>For me, it was Mills. I visited almost as an afterthought. Every building seems to belong there. It's built very much to a human scale and the landscape is inspiring. It seems like just the place to cultivate friendship and creativity. I'm so glad I found it.</p>
<p>my sister knew she was going to SMU the minute she stepped foot on campus</p>
<p>I was instantly enamored with Middlebury. I live in Vermont, so it's not too far away, yet I'm still substantially away from home, and the whole campus is very pleasant in general. I love the language houses and the funky architecture! Plus, I never knew gray could look so inviting. </p>
<p>The people were all very cool, especially the tour guide. I may apply ED.</p>
<p>to those of you who say looks of a college shouldn't be important, wrong. you are going to be spending the next four years of your life there. looking at ugly brick red walls gets boring FAST. i would hate to attend a university, no matter how prestigious, if i cant enjoy the scenery of it because of its lack of aesthetic beauty.</p>
<p>We used the process of elimination. Most colleges were eliminated right away. The receptionist at Hobart peered up from behind her glasses and asked "what time is your appointment?" My son was finished there. My daughter thought the girls at Barnard needed fresh air and clothing that wasn't black. The street names in Providence sounded too Puritanical, which eliminated Brown. Bates was too far in the boonies. Weslyan was too prim & proper. Johns Hopkins was nice, but Baltimore wasn't. </p>
<p>It went on this way for a week with each kid. But I have to say, when when we got to the right school both of my kids knew it. Everything just clicked. Their hearts found the right school. Selecting a college has little to do with logic, reason, intellect, or any of the reasons we attend college.</p>
<p>I've heard Brown is not at all puritanical...</p>
<p>I love UVA's campus...unfortunately I was denied admission. :(</p>
<p>However, I will be attending JMU in the fall and after visiting twice to make my decision I fell in love with this campus as well! I have seen it in the fall and spring and both times it was absolutely beautiful!</p>
<p>yes, BROWN - oh my god its so beautiful, i cant imagine going to college anywhere else. everything is so perfect</p>
<p>Many people fall in love with a campus at first sight.... and many don't. Kids shouldn't feel bad if they don't find a college that they just LOVE right away. Sometimes you have to make the best decision you can, go there, and then the place grows on you.</p>
<p>Cornell. That gorge that separates North Campus from the rest is insane.</p>
<p>Cornell. Couldn't have liked it much more than I did. Insanely beautiful.</p>
<p>I fell in love with Princeton. The campus is GORGEOUS!!!</p>
<p>Also very nice: Yale, BC (esp. the "Harry Potter" library... and I love how this campus seems more... put together. Not as eclectic as many others), and Dartmouth (Hanover is SUCH a nice town... I LOVED IT!). </p>
<p>Cornell's campus was beautiful, and Ithaca was wonderful, too, but it's WAY too out of the way for me. The drive up there and back through absolute NOTHINGNESS kind of dampened my mood. </p>
<p>I also applied to Madison, and will probably visit in the spring/winter, depending on how things (ie acceptances) go.</p>
<p>Bowdoin is pretty sweet. I really liked their field station on the island they own. plus i thought Maine was really awesome. Coming from Idaho it is such a big difference and i liked it a lot. </p>
<p>plus the outdoorsy side of me really liked the location</p>