<p>I did not choose any of my college choices based on distance from home; however, all of them ended up between a 9-hour drive and a two-day drive away from home. Several of these require interveiws and my school prefers during college counseling that all interviews are done in person, and I agree with this philosophy.</p>
<p>The title of my thread pretty much is my question: when you are interviewing around the country, what tricks of the trade do you follow? Does staying in a hotel an hour or so away from a college save a lot of money? Because interviews are done during the week, are there weekday nights that one can stay over between flights and save money (like one can on Saturday)? Is it cheaper to at at McDonalds for two days instead of the uni cafeteria? What have you learned?</p>
<p>Some schools will also do an alumni interview if you live far away. I would look into some of these options. As far as flying and doing on campus interviews, it really depends on the area you are flying to as to where you should stay. An Expedia search will usually give you a range of hotels in the area and prices. </p>
<p>However, if price is really a concern, contact the admissions office and find out what options are available for interviews for people who live a great distance.</p>
<p>I have definite plans to do every college interview on the main campus of the school, although those are great ideas, thanks. :) It is not so much that I have a certain budget or am worried about not being able to travel to all the schools, but it is good sense to try to save money where I can. I am not too familiar with college towns and the cities around them.</p>
<p>Interviews mean very little in terms of the college application process (I interview for an Ivy). My advice is to save your money by interviewing locally and then visit once you get in. To add to this I got into 100% of the schools I never visited (including places like Columbia, Dartmouth, Northwestern, Duke, etc) and didn't get into 100% of the places I DID visit!!</p>
<p>I second slipper's advice. However, if you are dead set on interviewing at the schools ...</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Go to one or more of the websites that offer travel savings. Expedia, Orbitz, priceline, etc. Often they have specials but, even if they don't, hotel bookings tend to be cheaper through these services than through travel agents (but not always)</p></li>
<li><p>There are few savings on weekday flights because this is when most people on business have to fly. However, if you are on the West Coast, it is sometimes possible to get a very late flight towards the East (the proverbial "redeye"), and these are sometimes cheaper than other flights. The same can be true for very early flights, usually the ones before 6:00 a.m.</p></li>
<li><p>Take advantage of any frequent flyer discounts, AAA discounts, AARP, etc.</p></li>
<li><p>If you must call a hotel to book a room, they will quote you a rate. Explain very politely that you are on a budget and shopping around, and ask if there isn't something a bit less expensive than the "rack rate." Using the words "rack rate" let's them know that you know something about the hotel business. Often, they will produce a much lower number after this question.</p></li>
<li><p>The major websites let you see what hotels are available in what parts of town. Often, there can be a substantial difference in cost with only a few miles difference in distance from your final location. Hotels in or near the business districts of large cities are notoriously expensive, but move out of downtown 10 miles and the prices can be half or less.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Thank you again! Keep the advice coming; I am taking it into account.</p>
<p>As far as my decision to interview, my school choices are very, very different than the ones of anyone I have seen who has expressed his on CC. :) I am applying to a group of selective religous schools rather than the traditional Ivy or top XX schools. My school has actually had the reverse experience of some of you here; the only ones who do get in, either ED, RD, or after being defered, are the ones who either interviewed in person originally or who were defered and then did the interview in person, as far as people who applied to the schools I wish to interview to. A few of the schools actually require an interivew when I visit the school. I'm taking my counsellor's advice by applying in-person to the schools where it is offered.</p>
<p>I suggest that you not cut expenses by eating at McDonalds instead of at the college. If you get the opportunity, it is in your best interest to try the food on campus. It is a small price to pay since you may be consuming it for four years. </p>
<p>Depending on the school location, staying an hour away may or may not be that much cheaper to justify the commute. Also, you have to consider how many schools you will be looking at on a given day. I stayed two hours away from Hamilton, and because of a major traffic jam, I didn't know if I would make it on time. When you are interviewing, nobody needs the stress of wondering if they are going to be late for their interview. </p>
<p>Also, look to see if there is an alternative airport to fly into. Sometimes the savings can be substantial. If you are planning on doing a tour at the college, you can find out a lot by walking around on your own and asking questions of students. You would be amazed at what you can learn from them versus the organized tour. Lastly, a good interview can make a difference, especially at an LAC. I know it was a benefit to me.</p>
<p>see if you can set up an on-campus stay with a current student. also, a lot of schools will give prospective students meal tickets in the dining halls. check with the admissions office</p>
<p>The best way to save significant money is to ask the admissions office if they arrange overnight visits with a student host. If the school doesn't have an official program, ask everyone in your network of friends if they know a student at the school, and find someone who will host you for a night. </p>
<p>If you do have to go to a hotel, start by checking the school's website. Many schools have a special rate arrangement with one or more local hotels. It can't hurt to ask if there is a "College XYZ rate" when you make a reservation. Some hotels will not rent to people under a certain age.</p>
<p>Transportation: Flying is expensive because it saves a lot of time. If you have the extra time, look into flights with a stopover and early morning flights (you may be able to interview and return on the same day.) Don't forget that you'll have expenses in commuting from the airport to the school.</p>
<p>Amtrak and Greyhound: Again, the school's website should have some information. Sometimes the bus or train works out better because it drops you in the center of town. Rural communities may have very few options in public transportation, but a strong informal network of ride-sharing. Find out what the other students do for transportation.</p>
<p>If there are several students from your school who plan on interviewing, you can save some money by traveling together. Perhaps one parent could accompany the students do the driving, since students pay a premium for car rentals. Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks for all the advice! Keep in coming. I am learning a lot.</p>
<p>Quick note: I will be staying at least one night on campus with a student at each place I visit, but my parent is coming along too and will be staying in a hotel. Because of the different school's schedules I may up spending a weekend in a hotel as well between schools in different states. I'm definitely flying- missing school/ work, plus going to a couple schools a 12-hour drive away and one a two-day drive away. :)</p>