<p>Dude, it seems like you really want to visit. If you want to, do it. But I warn you, you'll be lucky if you get accepted at even one of the colleges you listed. You definitely won't get accepted at all of them. So the chances of a visit actually being productive are very low. Take my advice: wait until you actually * do * all the thing you're talking about, (3.8 gpa, national merit, etc.), then apply to the colleges, and then visit the places at which you are accepted, if such places exist. Oh, and a 3.5 is extremely low more Stanford, no question. Why were you so surprised that your friend was rejected?</p>
<p>Ernie thanks for your input..I just feel I should try to visit the colleges I am interested in- I belive that is the best way I can get a feel for places- it has worked in the past. As for the GPA and score thing- I have predicted my GPA as I have planned the courses I will take throughout high school already (We have very odd graduation requirements and have some scheduling issues at my school). As for my SAT/ACT scores, I have already began studying on my own and part time with a tutor... I know I could be completely ignorant on standardized tests and/or just blow the test while I am taking it, but I feel I will do my best if I begin studying now.
I honestly wasn't suprised as I knew it as "STANFORD" and I had never viewed the website. However, since I have been looking into the subject, it seems some people simply said "In" due to being native american.</p>
<p>I May want to add UPenn-Wharton school and NYU to my list..any opinions?</p>
<p>Well, after you have made up your mind on which colleges WORTH visiting, you still need to consider which colleges WORTH applying to. The latter is apparently more time consuming, and requires much more info (the info you may get from your future visits to those schools). So please go and visit them all, it'd make it easier for you to decide later. Also, for examble, when you find out how lovely Harvard is and how much you REALLY want to be there (not just because it's "Harvard"), your motivation is boosted (remember you're still a sophomore). Gd luck!</p>
<p>No, Nate, I wasn't saying you wouldn't be accepted at Stanford, I was only saying visiting would be no advantage to you in admissions. Some schools like to see that you've come to the campus, but Stanford believes that disadvantages students who cannot afford the trip, so they don't consider it at all. On their website they specifically say, come if you want, but we (the admissions office) won't know you've been here.</p>
<p>As to whether you can get in or not -- I, of course, do not know. Good luck, though.</p>
<p>Have you considered Duke? My friend is native american :)</p>