<p>I just don't have the time or money to visit campuses out of state, which really limits my view of what I'm looking for in a specific college that I'm looking for. I once went on a touring program in Rice (I live in Houston), but there was no student outside except high schoolers walking with me. Plus, the tour was very limited, so I really didn't get to see or know much about the campus. </p>
<p>Point is, if I can't visit a college, how would I answer the "Why ___" essay? Any suggestion is appreciated :)</p>
<p>The essay topic asks you “Why <strong><em>," not "Why _</em></strong>’s Campus.” There should be far more appealing aspects to a school than its campus, and besides, I don’t think there’s any incredible advantage to mentioning aesthetic qualities in these essays. Do some research on the colleges’ websites and other forums like this one, and find some reasons why you would truly like to attend that college.</p>
<p>You do tend to learn a lot about schools from a campus visit. The point of the tour is not to show you how pretty the campus is.</p>
<p>OP: You should be able to find enough information for the essay by spending some time on the school’s website and on the specific parts of the website for programs you’re interested in. Try to be as specific as possible in Why University X essays, as that’ll help you stick out from the people who just list the school’s general attributes. Also, it’s important to discuss things specific to that school rather than aspects that are common to its competitors.</p>
<p>Visiting Rice during the school year and on an official tour through the Office of Admission will help you learn a lot more about the school. You’ll also be able to eat lunch with a current student for a small fee (I think it’s $7/person).</p>