<p>I'd have to cast a vote here for allowing her to visit alone if it's possible. While I respect your family dynamic of including everyone's observations and thoughts prior to making important decisions, I think that allowing her to visit and bring her thoughts to the family table, would be markedly better than no one having visited at all! :) </p>
<p>I've always been a proponent of visiting as many schools as is humanly possible prior to applying but I realize that not every kid is able to do this. My reasons are based on our experience with our Ds and also with that of many friends over the years with their kids. That April window for visiting after acceptances is VERY small, in addition to the myriad of reasons why kids' opinions of a school may change in either direction after visiting.</p>
<p>In terms of location for transporting kids and their paraphernalia back and forth twice a year, yes, some schools have storage facilities, and yes, others are located in cities where the student may arrange this. However, there is still the issue of travel back and forth at holiday breaks, family visits, and unavoidable emergencies. Ease of travel is one thing that usually isn't considered until it's too late! :) Just another thing to add to the long list of issues when making up a college application wishlist.</p>