<p>I was just accepted to Vanderbilt and given an impressive offer that definitely piqued my interest. Unfortunately, Vanderbilt, of all 9 schools I applied to, is the one that I did not visit. So, my question is if y'all think it would be worth it to drive there during my spring break (about 13 hours each way) to go take a tour instead of just ordering a "video visit". If yes, is there anything else I should do besides campus tour, information session, and sit in on classes (besides staying in a dorm)? Another thing that is sort of keeping me from getting in the car right now is that they are going to have an "Open House" sometime later (the office said that they didn't know when...) with student panels, discussions - basically the whole kit and kaboodle. </p>
<p>So, what's your advice?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>I would recommend an overnite visit so you get a chance to get more of a feel for the type of students who attend the school, what they like to do in their free time (study, party, etc), the whole atmosphere of the place.</p>
<p>Since you'll spend 4 years at a college, I would view the 26 hours of driving as an investment in making sure the next 4 years are spent at your true top choice.</p>
<p>If the open house is on campus and you spend the nite that can be a fun way to see the campus and get a feel for the school and it could be worth doing that instead. Many schools have an "admit weekend" where you can stay with a volunteer host and they take you around to sample classes and the like. However if the school hasn't planned it yet I would wonder how informative it is going to be.</p>
<p>Another thought: What about going NOT on the special weekend? Then you'd get a feel for what the college is really like (i.e. the food would be it's normal self instead of EXTRA good, the other students would be acting as they normally do instead of EXTRA good)</p>
<p>You should definitely go if you are really considering the school, but think about if you'd get more out of going on the special weekend or on a regular weekend. Or, find some friends who applied, go with them, and compare notes.</p>