<p>Don’t they have this same extended college visit next year when she is a Senior? </p>
<p>We also did college visits in Jr year but started during spring break. Our HS did not have any college visit days allotted. </p>
<p>It would make sense to miss HS for a college high on one’s list but sounds like you have a number of schools left to view. For a first pass, I don’t think an extended visit is as helpful as one after you have a group of schools to compare to.</p>
<p>If you can, I would go next weekend (as next Monday is Columbus day, a school holiday). this way she would not be missing out on any classes. Since your daughter is a junior, I would have forgone the trip and had her putting in the time prepping for the exam (which is October 17).</p>
<p>Look for visits Veterans Day weekend.</p>
<p>sybbie719–We have school on Monday–not all areas have Columbus Day off.</p>
<p>I am a huge fan of visits junior year. They get the kids focused on the process, helps them develop a good list so they know what they will need to work on over the summer for applications, essays, etc. Fall is a VERY busy time senior year and if you have to try to squeeze in visits then, it’s just one more thing to do. Then, factor in the earlier deadlines for EA applications, scholarships, etc. and there just isn’t that much time. We’ve reserved the very limited time we have this year for final visits if needed (to make final selections if they can’t decide between a couple schools).</p>
<p>One thing to consider for some people - sometimes it’s difficult to do mini-trips followed by a more lengthy trip later. This is not always economically possible for everyone. </p>
<p>We opted to do extended visits lots of times. Of course, we tried to schedule them on teacher work days, or days when hs was out of session, but college was in. However, it wasn’t always possible. I think it’s really important to go on a school day to actually get a better view of campus life.</p>
<p>I understand that finances are an issue, but I do think there’s something to be said for visiting a few colleges with both kinds of music programs to see how they actually work, not just what is on paper. My nephew went to Rice and there is so much to love about it.</p>
<p>Oh, Mathmom - I agree. What I meant was - bite the bullet and do an extended visit even if it means missing a day of hs (provided there are no serious consequences for missing)</p>
<p>What are the ramifications of an unexcused absence at D’s school?</p>
<p>Parent of music major here. My son was absent from school 12 times his senior year for auditions, music festivals, and the unexpected death of his grandma. They were ALL excused absences. Getting to the auditions was sometimes a multi-day event. Plus we got stranded in Maryland for three extra days due to a HUGE snowstorm Presidents Day weekend 2003. His audition was supposed to be ON Presidents Day and he would have missed NO school. Instead he missed three days…and NO there was no snow here.</p>
<p>I will say, we parents had a lengthy discussion about absences for auditions and festivals BEFORE DS’s senior year in anticipation of him exceeding the allowed excused absences. </p>
<p>Re: recourse…our school did not grant course credit if the unexcused absences exceeded 4 in a
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<p>^^^^This!</p>
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<li><p>My D is a junior. We’ve been on a couple of tours and open houses so far this year. (And plan on a few more.) We’ve both been amazed by some of the questions other families with seniors have asked at these events that indicate how far behind they seem to be in the process. ED or EA applications at some of these schools are due in a month and a day! Fall of senior year seems to me to be way too late to begin the search/visiting process.</p></li>
<li><p>From November 15 to the end of May every single one of my D’s days (except Sundays) are already occupied (with crew). From now until mid November is the only time we have to visit.</p></li>
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<p>Our school district has school on Veterans Day.</p>
<p>lmkh, I am hoping you and your D managed to have a good weekend!</p>