Questions About Wash U

<p>I have a few questions I have not been able to find clear answers to by reading other threads. Any insight at all would be greatly appreciated! I'm a Junior this year.
1) What/when exactly is Discovery Weekend? I have seen many differing answers. Some say it is invitation only, some say you can sign yourself up.
2) I am visiting campus in the near future. When is the ideal time to go? Is there anything I can do while there to increase my chances of being offered admission? That may seem like a silly question but I've read some suggestions for other universities.
3) I think I would apply ED if I choose to. I love the school on paper, but I am looking forward to visiting it in person. If you apply ED, do they still consider demonstrated interest?</p>

<ol>
<li><p>I don’t really know myself, honestly. I did not attend.</p></li>
<li><p>The ideal time to visit is when classes are in session, as you can see what campus is like on a normal day. I believe they still allow you to schedule interviews, and a good interview can only help.</p></li>
<li><p>ED is kinda the ultimate demonstrated interest. You’re telling them that they are your top choice and you’d go there if they accept you. Showing more interest certainly won’t hurt, but I doubt it helps as much as in RD.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>As a parent of a WUSTL freshman I agree with Ryan above. However, my son visited the campus in December last year and while there weren’t many people on campus, he was able to interview with an admissions officer, which I understand isn’t always possible at other times of the year. However, he just didn’t get a feel for the campus either. After he was accepted, he made a return trip in April (since the school paid the airfare!), fell in love with the school and picked it over his #1 school- Michigan- and he doesn’t regret his decision for a second.</p>

<p>Agreed with RyanMK. Applying ED shows enough interest in itself. The only reason they care about interest is because they don’t want to waste acceptances on people who will probably not attend. By applying ED, they know you’ll attend.</p>