<p>My son would like to visit Duke, UNC and UVA in March. We live in Missouri and will be flying. Any suggestions?</p>
<p>Duke doesn’t require reservations for its tours and info sessions – just show up. March is very busy and parking is limited, so arrive early and be prepared to walk. When the few admissions office visitor spaces fill up, they direct you to the lots at the Duke Gardens, but in spring you’ll often have to circle until a spot opens.</p>
<p>The tour only goes to the highlights on West Campus. I recommend budgeting time before or after the official tour to explore the rest of the campus on your own. East Campus is where all freshmen are housed now, so you may want to drive or walk over and take a look. The tour takes you to Perkins Library on West Campus, but only to walk through the lobby. It’s one of the best university libraries in the country, and if you’re into that, it’s worth at least a browse-through. Same for the Chapel. The Gardens are not at their peak in March, but they are still lovely. Off-campus areas popular with students are near East Campus: Ninth Street a couple of blocks to the west of the wall, and Brightleaf Square between East and downtown.</p>
<p>UNC is only about 15 minutes away. Franklin Street is the main drag for Chapel Hill and many of the businesses there have annoying displays of anti-Duke propaganda. Despite the nearly 2-1 female-male ratio at UNC, my son wasn’t interested in a formal visit or applying, so I have no experience with that aspect of the school.</p>
<p>UVA is 3 or 4 hours away by car. You would probably want to visit Mount Vernon while in the Charlottesville area. Depending on how much time you have, you could drive up or back via the Blue Ridge Parkway, but it’s a major detour.</p>
<p>Another school I would recommend visiting in the area is Davidson. It’s about 2 hours south of Duke and UNC, just north of Charlotte on I-77. My son thought he wasn’t interested in a small college until I took him to Davidson, just so he would know exactly what he was rejecting, and he loved it. </p>
<p>The weather in N.C. in March could be almost anything. You may have sunny days in the 70s (or even 80s!), or you may have snow, although that is rare. Best to be prepared for chilly or warm, shedding layers, and rain. </p>
<p>Hope that helps!</p>
<p>I believe alynor meant to visit Monticello when you are in Charlottesville. Keep in mind that UVa will be on Spring Break the week of 3/5-3/9 if it is important for you to see the grounds when students are there. Best of luck planning your trip. Those are wonderful schools. Enjoy!!</p>
<p>Edit to add links to several threads that might be helpful during your stay in Charlottesville:</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-virginia/1122511-restaurants-cville.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-virginia/1122511-restaurants-cville.html</a></p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-virginia/947199-fun-things-see-do-virginia.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-virginia/947199-fun-things-see-do-virginia.html</a></p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-virginia/1068015-helpful-info-those-visiting-charlottesville.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-virginia/1068015-helpful-info-those-visiting-charlottesville.html</a></p>
<p>Jefferson’s Monticello would be the one to visit if you are visiting UVa. Jefferson was the Father of the University of Virginia. Monticello and UVa are a World Heritage Site.
Crossposted with blueiguana. Have a great trip! Those are all great schools.</p>
<p>I live in a state that borders Missouri - in June, we drove to NC and VA and visited Davidson, Duke, UNC, University of Richmond, and UVA. I would second the recommendation to add Davidson, and also possibly Richmond, to your list. We started out with Duke, UNC, and UVA, because 1) I went to UVA; and 2) S is a huge basketball fan and thought he wanted a school that offered basketball viewing/cheering excitement. We added Davidson because it’s related to our church affiliation and offers the possibility of a scholarship for children of clergy/good financial aid. We added Richmond because it was “on the way” and also offered good financial aid.</p>
<p>S’s favorites ended up being 1) Richmond; 2) Davidson; and 3) UVA. He applied to all three, but ended up applying ED to a different school (early August college trip with H in the northeast) and has been admitted ED, so he has withdrawn his other applications.</p>
<p>Besides Monticello, there’s also Ash Lawn (James Monroe) near UVA. </p>
<p>Not that they’re the reasons S liked the schools, but at Davidson they will do your laundry for you, and Richmond has endowed desserts, both of which impressed S.</p>
<p>Not sure what exact info would be helpful, but let me know if I can answer anything specifically.</p>
<p>Yes, Monticello! I need more coffee.</p>