<p>So Rice University visited my school today and I was the only one there. I got to talk to the Assistant Director of Admissions person one-on-one and she's impressed with the classes I'm taking this year and my extra curriculars. She said that if I visit Rice, I should call her up (I have her card) and she'd say hi and talk to me. Which got me thinking should I have an on campus interview? That way I'd get to see her again, do my interview at the same time and visit the school. Does that sound too much of a worthless hassle or do you think it sounds more advantageous?</p>
<p>Major advantage as it shows the interest they are looking for, however it has another advantage:</p>
<p>I cannot comment on Rice per se, however it's very well know that (particularly with a competitive school) that an on campus interview with an admissions person is preferred over a remote interview -especially for example a remote interview with an alumni</p>
<p>This can be a signficant advantage for someone who does well on interviews - as in effect the applicant will have an in-person advocate right on the scene - when the AD COM meets as a group</p>
<p>In close cases, this could be the difference</p>
<p>Hm...the plane ride there for me and my dad can cost as much as $800 and that's not including the hotel and food expenses..</p>
<p>a $1000+ trip to see a school is not worth it IMHO. Why can't you visit alone? Rice offers overnight visits where you stay in the dorms for a nite or two; the cost is usually meals only. And SuperShuttle is starting a service in Houston in November so you could get to Rice for around $20 from the airport.</p>
<p>And an overnite visit (once you've found schools you're really serious about) is a great way to get a real understanding of what it's like to be a student there, in ways a 2-hour tour with a chirpy guide and an interview can't convey.</p>
<p>here are some tips for campus visits: <a href="http://education.yahoo.com/college/essentials/articles/college/campus_visit.html%5B/url%5D">http://education.yahoo.com/college/essentials/articles/college/campus_visit.html</a></p>
<p>My parents wont let me go by myself because they don't trust me (they don't even like it when I cross the street by myself). Weird and overprotected - I know. </p>
<p>Anyway, besides visiting the campus for myself and stuff, do you think it would really be more advantageous than doing an off campus interview? </p>
<p>CitationX, I know you said that there's a major difference, but is it REALLY necessary for me to go?</p>
<p>colleges love when you demonstrate interest, but i highly doubt that they will hold it against you if you live a $1000 trip away. that's why they HAVE alum interviews--because they know that not everybody can make it to campus just for a 30 min interview. i wouldn't spend that much, plus it would take a ton of time. put that time into preparing an awesome application, and request an interview with an alum.</p>
<p>I don't think it's really nessecary. yes, it might help somewhat, but they already talked to you, and were impressed. sending a follow up note thanking them will also help them remember you, since your visit was off campus.</p>
<p>well, with rice, dont do an on campus interview if you live outside Texas.. its a waste of time</p>
<p>Do an alum interview.. many freshmen from the rest of the country did alum interviews and many others (like me) didnt/couldnt do one. So by not coming to rice, it wont hurt you</p>
<p>But coming to Rice is a great idea during Owl-weekend (iun April) so you can decidde whether to attend. Thats more helpful i hear than coming here all the way for an interview</p>
<p>and a non-sequiter to end : Rice rules...</p>