Is a Visit a Good Idea?

<p>Son is borderline at U of O. We have done the extras - letters of rec, essays, etc. Ad Com said a visit wouldn't help, but I was wondering if anyone has any other opinions? Not a big expense for us, so we would do it if it seems necessary.</p>

<p>It sure can’t hurt. If your son hasn’t seen campus he should visit anyway just to confirm it’s a place he feels comfortable. And I always think showing interest via a visit helps, especially in borderline cases. Just my opinion though. I don’t have any direct knowledge on the value of visits to admissions.</p>

<p>I think UO is a nice place to visit. It’s a beautiful campus and the school has a great vibe. As far as admissions though, a visit only helps if admissions keeps track of who has been there and somehow attaches that information to a student’s application. Some schools do, many do not. If you were told a visit isn’t a factor, then I would assume that’s true.</p>

<p>I think that if you take the official admissions tour at Oregon they do keep track of who did it (if you go, make sure you sign up before hand and check in when you arrive). I recall my daughter getting mail from Oregon soon after her visit. Whether or not it makes a difference in their decision I don’t know.</p>

<p>I know they keep track for purposes for short term mailings related to applying (brochures and whatnot), but the question would be whether that evidence of visiting ever finds its way to the folks making admissions decisions. At a large public university like UO I would find it surprising if it did, especially if they say it has no effect on admissions decisions. Of course, I don’t work there, so I don’t know. But I’d trust what they say, unless you just want to go visit anyway!</p>