Seniors, dont let rank influence you, visit first!

I see this all the time, and I want to advice against it.

“Is MIT good for me?” “Is Duke a good fit?”

Visit the schools you feel are best for you, then make the appropriate choice based on your fit. They are all excellent, they will all prepare you into the person you should be. A mere ranking here and there will not make a difference, but your gut feelings will.

Before visiting I was so content that Johns Hopkins was the dream school for me, not that I would qualify for JHU, but I did not feel it was a fit at all. On the other hand, I was more than blown away by Michigan and Northwestern, and I had both low on my list.

I had people tell me “you will know which school is best for you when you visit it.” I was reluctant to buy into it but agree with it 100%. You compile a list of maybe schools and visit each one, and like magic you will know which ones you prefer over others.

The point is, dont let us tell you where to apply, visit them and ask questions. Dont let the label or brand influence you, dont underestimate your emotions, and please dont let your parents tell you where you should go.

Visiting is especially important if you are deciding between (or among) schools for an ED application, or if you have been admitted to multiple schools and are having trouble deciding.

Not everyone can afford to visit.

Visits may not add much value if you do not plan ahead and figure out what you are looking for. Being swayed by chance encounters, superficial aspects, or good/bad marketing may not be the best outcome of a visit.