<p>I am planning on doing some college visits this summer.</p>
<p>I am already going to go visits Stanford, USC and Brown, but their programs also include information sessions and some student/department interaction. However, I was wondering if it would be worth taking a flight to say, Princeton U and UPenn just for a campus tour?</p>
<p>My logic tells me that buildings will not attract me to a university, but its people would. If I were to visit them during the summer, when students are not really active at that time, would it be worth it [expenses and probably to help the "Why X university" essay]?</p>
<p>It’s always better to visit during the school year so you get a real flavor for the school.</p>
<p>Rather than flying to another city maybe you should get more out of the Providence/Boston area and visit some schools a little easier to get into than Brown. Brandeis, Tufts (although not much easier), Wellesley (if appropriate). Or try to see a liberal arts school or two in that area for comparison. (90 minutes by train, I think, to Bowdoin. 90 minutes to Amherst). If you get into both Princeton and Brown you can always visit for the admitted student days.</p>
<p>@ Erin’s Dad: I wish I had time to visit during the year! Unfortunately, by then, my schedule will be packed, and I think getting into college at that point will be a priority, more than actually seeing it :(</p>
<p>@ Hitch123: I hope I am so fortunate as to be able to visit the admitted student days! At this time I can only afford [time-wise] to stay for a weekend. I wish my schedule was not nearly as busy, but it’s turned out this way.</p>
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<p>That’s really tough to do for a lot of people.</p>
<p>Yes, at that time, my dad would probably have time to take me, but I would be busy with school—especially since it has a rigid protocol with absences…</p>
<p>any other insights would be greatly appreciated :)</p>
<p>I reiterate what everyone has already said about visiting during the school year.</p>
<p>Hmm…it might be able to work out if your school somehow happens to have a 3 day weekend or some day off that most colleges don’t have. ie most public schools have some sort of teacher preparation day that can make a 3 day weekend.</p>
<p>I’d also recommend to stay overnight with a student if possible at one of the schools. It’ll give you a better sense of student life other than the guided tours which are censored to some degree ie the people given tours probably can’t say everything that they could or want.</p>
<p>If you do make it to Brown, you could take Amtrack to Princeton and Penn. the train station in Providence is about 10 minutes away from the Brown campus. It’s a lot more convenient than flying and less wear and tear. (this is what I did w/ my son during his spring break in March.) But, as Hitch mentioned, there are lots of schools not far from Brown going toward Boston – Brandeis, Holy Cross, Clark (a possible safety?) and of course, many more in Boston.</p>
<p>@ TevashSzat: I am considering that route-taking advantage of a 3-day weekend. However, I plan to participate in the Questbridge National College Match Program, so I would like an informed decision on my part as to which place would be most enjoyable, if I am so fortunate as to be matched :)</p>
<p>@ RenaissanceMom: Thanks for the idea! It sounds good, but I don’t know how doable that would be in one weekend. Time is really limited. I’m beginning to regret taking summer school, even though the credits are required—I could’ve used the time for college visits :(</p>