<p>I also think that there are cases where many students apply to schools simply becasue of the name and really don't kow anything about the school. While it is great to be able to vist, spend the night and attend a class , the reality is many people cannot do this due to time and financial constraints. </p>
<p>However as Susan any many others have stated there are other ways to demonstrate interest. Do research about a department which you are interested in , contact professors . If they many speak at other schools or sometimes come as guest lecturers. I do beleive that there has to be a little ownership on the part of the student in this process because in the end everthing comes down to a question of worth and we always mange to find a way to do things which are important to us.</p>
<p>I find it amazing even as I read various post on the CC how prospective students will ask questions instead of doing some of the legwork for them selves. For some it may be a mattaer of being uninformed but for others, its just plain lazy</p>