<p>Are there any significant differences when visiting campuses during one of them Open House events and doing an individualized visit? Meaning will I be missing out on anything if I visit not during an open house?</p>
<p>p.s. I will still contact the school to let them know I am interested, not just show up on campus with my family and walk around on our own.</p>
<p>At many open houses, you will not have an opportunity for an interview with an admissions representative.</p>
<p>I think open houses are useful, but give info that is mostly available on their website. I think it is better to visit the school when classes are in session and they are making no mass effort to recruit. If you can go to some classes it would be even better.</p>
<p>the open house at johns hopkins was insanely beneficial, as they presented us with speeches from professors, a Q&A with a panel of admissions officers (as well as a financial aid rep) and departmental overviews based by major. </p>
<p>some schools may not put forth quite so much effort, however.</p>
<p>You will get more information and a broader perspective at an Open House, i.e., events for parents, specific majors, campus organizarions, etc. The downside is that the information will be delivered en masse, via talks or panel discussions or something similar. You might get a more personal view by attending a regular information session, class visit and interview. However, it's impossible to predict what crowds will show up on any regular information and tour session; if it's a HS holiday, you might be there on the busiest day of the year!</p>
<p>In general, most schools do a pretty good job on their Open House days, while the individual tours are a roll of the dice. Your best bet may be to attend both for your favorite schools.</p>
<p>It's a mixed bag. Some of the open houses are zoos and some are pretty hard sell. But some are excellent.</p>
<p>If you can't get to an open house don't fret! Call admissions to schedule a visit, and try to make it when school is in session. Then tell them all the stuff you want to do - maybe have lunch with a student, spend the night, tour labs, meet the chair of your major department, see a play, hear a concert...whatever. They'll do their best to plan an itinerary for you.</p>
<p>Personally, I really preferred going during a regular school day rather than an open house. It gave me a way better feeling for what the campus was actually like, and I got a tour, info session, and interview. Plus, I got to talk to students and sit in on classes when everyone wasn't putting on a show for an open house... You have to be a little more assertive to get all the info you want if you go on a non-open house day, but I think it's worth it.</p>
<p>I agree. From personal experience you get a broader perspective during an open House which also helps you network with other who are looking to join.</p>
<p>It might also help you get some specific answers to any questions yoy may have before going any further.</p>
<p>I think in General they are made to expose all areas to you and make yourself Welcomed!</p>
<p>Good Luck.</p>
<p>Open house are really great, they let you know what are the usual things really happen there!!</p>
<p>Should I go visit the schools that I'm interested in now or wait until I get all my decision letters?</p>
<p>Thanks for all the replies!!! I'm actually planning a few Open House trips right now; figured it's better than me doing a tour on my own...</p>