Like most of you, I’m in a waiting pattern. I was told that various schools weigh campus visits towards admission decision more heavily than others. Is it worthwhile to visit a few schools now, or is it too late in the game? Thanks for any feedback/guidance.
I’m guessing you’re a senior. At this point, it probably won’t make a difference, and it’ll just look like a last-minute effort to get attention rather than actual touring (which it is). If you’ve already submitted, there’s really no point, especially this close to March 1st.
Agreed. Thanks.
You can google each college’s Common Data Set, section C7, to see if a college cares about demonstrated interest. If they consider it Important, and you’ve never signed up for their email list, at least do that ASAP.
Yes, demonstrating interest can make a difference at a college that considers interest. Not very kid can visit and they know that. I do think it’s probably a bit late in the game to express interest now. However, if a college has become your top choice, and maybe due to financial constraints, or other circumstances, you simply weren’t aware that demonstrating interest is a “thing”, it might not hurt to email an admissions officer and explain something similar to what I’ve said in this paragraph. If it’s a school that doesn’t consider interest, it’s pointless though.
I was told by a college counselor that demonstrated interest can be conveyed by following the school on social media, liking posts, etc. Also, if school will take it, maybe submit a supplemental resume?
Those things only count for demonstrated interest if the school is tracking who follows them on social media, and likes posts and matches that up to applicant names.
More straightforward ways to demonstrate interest, beyond visits, are to sign up for email lists, open emails/click on links, meet with AOs at HS or college fairs, reach out to AO with questions not answered on college website, participate in admissions webinars, and open portals after applying.
To answer OP’s question, yes visiting at this late date might make a difference in getting accepted and/or ultimately getting off the waitlist at some schools…such as those that weight demonstrated interest relatively high, like Tulane and Dickinson. What schools are you talking about?
If you send a letter and state you just discovered that interest is needed. Kinda obvious.
Look at the college data set as suggested. If interest is considered at all then…
Email your AO college rep for your school. Maybe find something in the class catalog that really interests you. Don’t repeat facts they know like top 10 research school. One or two sentences that after reviewing the catalog and reviewing other schools you feel you would do well academically because of “x” and socially and you plan to take an active role in the college community (you do, don’t you?) Put “I look forward attending” X"school in the fall and always thank them for their time reading the letter. If they have a closing saying like “Go Blue” then put it. Keep it all upbeat and positive.
Why do this? Because you will regret not doing it later and always wonder, what if. Don’t live like that. Know you did everything you thought was correct to do.
If within an hour drive. Go visit if they take attendance and count it. Some schools have sign in sheets.
I always tell students to write a LOI(letter of interest), in their Junior year or over the summer going into Senior year. Then do a LOCI (Letter of continued interest), if they get deferred. This way at least you have 2 touches and not a last-minute hail Mary.
Tracking is questionable but It doesn’t cost you anything and I would do it. Who knows what metrics some schools use.
Aside from just demonstrating interest/helping your chances, are you planning to make visits before you make your choice? If so, know that accepted student days in the spring often overlap each other and it can be difficult to fit a lot of visits in between March and April, especially if you have spring break plans.
I personally think visits are always “worthwhile” in terms of decisions, and I also realize that many students don’t or can’t visit and that’s fine. Consider the timing if you do hope to make visits.
Thank you everyone for your great info. A school of debate is Grinnell. Having visited all others, but this school because of its remote location. However, I’ve signed up for their emails since my junior year and have exchanged emails with their Admissions Office. Thanks!