<p>So, I have be researching colleges vigorously for the past three years of my life, and Vassar seems to be the best choice... on paper. I was supposed to visit Vassar this summer, but my parents dropped the bomb that we would not be able to visit because of our financial status. I still would like to apply to Vassar ED because I'm not very picky about my surroundings - I generally get along with anyone in any environment pretty well. Plus, I'm very liberal. </p>
<p>However, I feel that by not visiting Vassar will take it as a sign that I'm not interested. </p>
<p>I have two questions:
1. Should I still apply ED (to increase my chances of getting in)?
2. Besides e-mailing and calling (because I've already done that numerous times), how do I show that I am interested though I'm not able to visit (I've already informed the admissions office)?</p>
<p>You CAN apply ED but realize that if you get in you will have to go there. Can you afford it? What if you don’t like it? ED is only if you REALLY want to attend.</p>
<p>Are your parent’s sure the financial issues won’t extend to affording the school? Even though they meet 100% of need, there is often a large gulf between what a family sees as their need and what a college sees.</p>
<p>Does Vassar put alot of weight on showing interest? A lot of schools don’t even keep track of who visits because they don’t want to hold it against those who can’t for whatever reason. Like the others, my bigger concern would be what will the finances be like if you do get in?</p>
<p>OP - Vassar’s a wonderful place for those that fit. But it’s a place you really should visit if you’re applying ED. Because it will be a l-o-n-g (and expensive!) four years if you don’t fit.</p>
<p>Do not apply ED if finances are an issue and if you aren’t rock bottom sure that you want to go there. The fact that you can’t visit it, and the fact that your parents don’t even have money to send you to visit it means that it would be a bad idea for you to apply ED there or probably anywhere. Even for schools that guarantee to meet 100% of students’ guaranteed financial need, frequently what the school thinks a student’s need is is far less than what the student’s parents feel able to pay.</p>
<p>I also know students who’ve carefully researched colleges, but hated the schools on sight when the students visited them. Fortunately, the students I know hadn’t applied ED.</p>
<p>I would also advise not doing ED, but not because of the visit, but because you’re locked in to that choice. Honestly, I didn’t feel that the visitations I did and didn’t do made a big impact on my decision. All those people talking about getting the “feel” of the campus or whatever? Yeah, sure, maybe fr them, but I sure can’t get a “feel” for the campus by spending a few hours there during the summer while nobody is there and I’m walking around with my parents.</p>
<p>Like other people have said, ED is a good idea only if you are absolutely sure you want to and can afford to attend a school. It doesn’t sound like that’s the case, so I would advise against it.</p>
<p>I echo the advice above; if finances are a problem, you shouldn’t be applying ED. You won’t be able to compare packages, because there won’t be any others. And if you’re the caliber of student who could get into Vassar, you would probably get merit aid at a lower ranked school. Sure it won’t be Vassar, but I’d like to drive a Mercedes and instead drive what I can afford.</p>
<p>Lastly, since its only August if visiting is important to you, why can’t you get a job (or 2nd job) and earn the money for the visit between now and the Fall?</p>
<p>Up until a few months ago, I was CONVINCED that USC was my top choice. I loved it and was obsessed with its description- on paper. Then I visited. It just wasn’t me, and I don’t even plan on applying any more.</p>
<p>My son goes to boarding school. When we were looking for schools, one of them was perfect - on paper. It seemed absolutely ideal for the kind of kid that he is, photos of the campus were gorgeous - we knew it was “it”. Well, we visited it and he hated it…didn’t even end up applying there at all. My point is - even if it <em>seems</em> perfect, you need to visit. I would never want my child to apply ED to a school without having seen it in person. Just my opinion and experience!</p>