<p>The college in question here is in Baltimore, MD and I am in Ohio. I really like the college but i don't want to visit it because of travel costs. i am hoping to wait until i am invited to an interview to visit so i don't end up wasting my money. is this a good decision?</p>
<p>Perfectly fine. Lots of info on the internet including virtual tours.</p>
<p>My daughter wasn’t able to pre visit the school she attended. I’m biased because it worked out well. But an important point may have been that she’d have been fine at any of the varied schools she applied to. So you have to know what type of person you are. </p>
<p>In the Parents forum, there’s a thread about students rejecting a school after visiting. Give it a read, and see the silly and superficial reasons. It seems easy for minor details to rub you wrong and lose sight of the bigger picture, or for a visit to give you the wrong idea because school isn’t in session and you only have contact with the tour guide.</p>
<p>Saving time and money are good reasons to wait or not go.</p>
<p>My son has chosen not to college visit. He said he is perfectly content applying to places that he feels meet his interests and if/when acceptances come in he will visit. This was not what my husband and I would have chosen; however, I am fairly confident he will be fine. </p>
<p>When I was applying to college (many, many) years ago, I don’t think I knew anyone that went on a college visit. </p>
<p>Sounds like you have sound reasoning.</p>
<p>My daughter chose not to visit most schools she applied to. Her reasoning? She didn’t want to “fall in love” with a school/campus and then not get in.</p>
<p>We had two tour guides at Harvey Mudd neither of whom visited any schools until they were accepted. They chose to do their visiting <em>after</em> acceptances.</p>
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<p>I think the phrasing in the question might be reflecting something. Hope this helps.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>One may apply to any college, whether never visited or visited a hundred times.</p></li>
<li><p>There are is no “first choice” among one’s college applications. College “A” doesn’t know if it’s your first choice or your super safety.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>If you get accepted at your “first choice,” most schools have an “accepted day” for admits to visit. You can decide then if that school is, in fact, your “first” choice. You may wind up loving it. You may wind up feeling grateful that you got to visit because you discovered that you hated it. And then moved on to your “second” choice.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>The only case where I would advise you to visit first is if you are planning to apply early decision.</p>
<p>If you have to consider costs of visiting make sure you look at the cost of attending the school. For OOS schools you pay a premium.</p>
<p>That’s fine, unless you’re applying early decision. Lots of people apply to their top choice early decision, but you really shouldn’t do that unless you’ve visited.</p>
<p>Didn’t visit any schools before applying.</p>
<p>It is fine to like a school based on your research, but if at all possible visit it before either applying ED or deciding to go. Sometimes the reality is different from what you read. </p>
<p>And at most schools you are not “invited for an interview” but as an applicant, you will need to take the initiative and call the school to arrange an interview. I’m not sure how things work at the school you are considering, but just be sure of the process so you don’t wait around for an invitation that doesn’t come. Also, many schools can arrange for an interview with an alumni near where you live, particularly for applicants who don’t live nearby.</p>
<p>I’m surprised by the answers to your post. Perhaps you encouraged like minded people to reply.</p>
<p>I think that it is essential to visit colleges to which you apply before you apply. If at all possible visit when the college is in session. Attend a class. Take up any offers the college may have to have lunch with students, or to visit a dorm. Stop by the cafeteria. Walk through the campus and in the surrounding neighborhood. Interview while you’re at the college</p>
<p>If possible keep your list of colleges manageable. That way you can do justice to the visits.</p>
<p>However if you cannot afford to visit then do the next best thing. The replies to your post provide suggestions along that line.</p>
<p>To clarify, I think it’s ideal – but not essential – to visit colleges before applying. It helps with defining the type of school you prefer, picking up on unique nuances at each school, and ultimately narrowing the list. BUT, if you are financially or logistically unable to visit until you know what your options are, that’s OK. Just don’t apply ED anywhere you haven’t visited, and don’t enroll anywhere you haven’t visited.</p>
<p>Wow thanks for all the thoughtful responses. i feel more confident now about my decision. the college BTW is Hopkins so the chance of me getting in is quite slim so i didn’t want to waste money by going out there. thanks again!</p>