<p>D is, w/o a doubt, a Pitzer-ish student and her college list includes many Pitzer-ish schools: Hampshire, Bennington, Goucher, Earlham, Hendrix, etc. We will probably vist each of the Pitzer look-alikes - - but not Pitzer itself; a cross-country trip is time-consuming and expeensive, and Pitzer is the only west coast school to which D is likely to apply (so, no two-birds-with-one-stone).</p>
<p>Will the fact that will not have visited the campus be viewed as lack of interest? I know that the Claremonts offer on-the-road info sessions, but will there be an opportunity to interview without going to CA? And if not, will that have a negative impact on her application? Are there other ways that D can show interest?</p>
<p>I don’t think it will hurt your D’s chances especially if the school is aware of the distance between home and school. My D never interviewed or visited Pitzer until after she was accepted. I then suggested we take a trip and check it out (we live in Europe).
Is your D a junior? Interviews are required for ED, but, I believe, only recommended for RD: “Early Decision candidates must submit all required materials by November 15 and are required to have an interview either by person or phone by December 1.”</p>
<p>My daughter applied to Pitzer RD and had an interview in Boston. She LOVED the interview and was so psyched to see how much the interviewer adored the school! She also applied to Hendrix and Earlham (was accepted at both EA), and is waiting to hear from Pitzer and Oberlin. SHe has not visited Pitzer but will go for sure if accepted over her April break. I think visiting is still crucial at some point in the process…</p>
<p>Your daughter can express interest without a visit, and they will understand that a cross country trip may not be in the cards until decision time. If she’s a senior and is waiting to hear, then hopefully her interest came out in her application. If she’s a junior and looking to apply next year, then get to information sessions and be sure she introduces herself to those presenting. Also get a local interview. Schools that draw from across the country realize that not everyone can visit ahead of time.</p>
<p>If D is a junior, there are school visits, the Claremont College Receptions and usually some on the road interviews in the winter. And while a campus visit is always best, it is not the end of the world. I would find the counselor for your area online and have D send an email asking some questions and develop a relationship with the counselor.</p>
<p>D and I attended an info session (held in SF) for the Claremont colleges and the deans of admission, (who were all present except for Pomona which apparently does its own thing,) stated that they do like to see interest, such as attending an info session and we had all just gotten “points” for doing so. Someone in the audience asked whether it would increase chances of being admitted if they also visited campus. The dean who answered (Pitzer) said that they do like to see that kind of interest, but that if an applicant doesn’t visit, admissions will consider why they may not have been able to come.</p>