<p>2002, DS, did not visit any schools. No time, too many, too far, too costly, no questions.
He was accepted to HMC and Carnegie Mellon ('06).</p>
<p>Kids who show the most interest are interpreted as liking the school more. More important than yield is retention and graduation rate. Kids who like the school tend to graduate at a higher rate.</p>
<p>We are checking out the college fairs and other visits. So far, a few were close, others were during the school day at opposite ends of the state. They will email and I told them if they really are interested, tell them you’d love to visit when you can, but would “fill in the blank” be coming to CT this year?
We aren’t in the “Questbridge” range, but that woud be wonderful. A few years ago it would have been maybe possible but not now. Wonderful program though.</p>
<p>I definitely think visiting counts for some LACs (if within a reasonable geographic distance). S applied to two very similar LACs. One we visited last summer, and he had an interview (he wore a suit upon the recommendation of a student he knows who is there; was the only interviewed student that day to do so), tour, and information session. </p>
<p>The similar school was in a neighboring state – about a 6 (?) hour drive. S never visited. </p>
<p>Admissions results? Full merit scholarship (tuition/fees/room & board/books/personal expenses) to the first school. Rejected (“denied”) admission to the second (not even waitlisted). I definitely think S was rejected from the second school because he never visited.</p>
<p>Depending on the school, I think it does matter. Also, at some schools, you can schedule your interview at the same visit. I think it helped my child with a school like Franklin and Marshall.</p>
<p>My daughter’s guidance counselors told her to make sure every school she visits knows she was there and any time an admissions counselor from a school she likes visits her school, make sure he/she knows my daughter’s name. </p>
<p>On our road trip to the DC/VA area, GW said that “demonstration of interest” is very important to them; William and Mary said they don’t track it.</p>