<p>I applied Early Decision, and have high interest in going to Rice, but I woud like to visit for myself before accepting admission (if i am accepted). I was wondering if this weekend or next weekend would be a bad time as it as around finals, and if it would be pointless to go? And if I did go on a weekend, what are some key things I should explore/tour?</p>
<p>Unfortunately, I believe its too late in the semester to arrange for an official overnight visit. If you know someone here, one of the best things to do could be to come stay with them for the night. Today is the last day of classes for the semester, so you won’t be seeing anything academic (besides people studying) if you visit now. You’ll see more people this weekend than next weekend likely, as people start to trickle out once they are done with exams (although most will still be here next weekend). It really depends what you want to see, but it might be better to come during the week.</p>
<p>I would avoid finals. Going another time gives a better perspective, IMO. </p>
<p>If you go over a weekend, check out some clubs, IM sports, activities around the college, and parties, on campus. Off campus, you can visit the nearby museum district, Hermann Park, the zoo and Rice Village. Plenty of stuff to do.</p>
<p>Yeah it’s too late, we matched our last students with hosts last week. I would highly recommend coming on a Thursday or Friday in early January if possible, though, as that will be a great time to visit.</p>
<p>Just thinking for next year, is it possible to do an overnight visit, before ED apps are due?</p>
<p>Yes. You can schedule one through Rice.</p>
<p>Definitely! I’ve had to match probably 75 prospective students with hosts this semester already, and there are three other teams who match. Plenty of students come for overnight visits in the fall. Like Antarius said, just schedule one through Rice, probably a few weeks ahead of time (not too sure on this though).</p>
<p>Well the thing is, I am a three hour drive from Rice, and I only want to visit so that I have no regrets if I do go there via Early Decision (i know it’s binding, but I can get out if needed) I understand that official visits are too late, but is it not possible to just go down there without appointment and look around? My other big option is UT Austin, and since I live in Austin, I know the UT campus very well, just wanted some perspective. I’m aware that my timing is pretty bad, but time’s short. Anyways, what would be recommended, this weekend, next weekend, or not at all? I’m saying none at all because past that, January 1st, and the deadline to withdraw all other applications is over.</p>
<p><a href=“i%20know%20it’s%20binding,%20but%20i%20can%20get%20out%20if%20needed”>quote</a>
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<p>??? …</p>
<p>My financial status recently changed, about 2 weeks ago. I’m fairly confident that admissions committees or whoever decides this are somewhat reasonable about these things. Although it won’t affect my EFC and ability to pay this year, it will for the next 3 years.</p>
<p>If you really, really want to visit, you will have to make an unofficial one, I believe. I would highly recommend visiting this weekend over next weekend since a lot of people (myself included) will be gone, and the ones who are left will be holed up in the library or their rooms studying for finals. However, if you come this weekend, you would probably want to come today, which, on such short notice, probably isn’t feasible. haha So if you can’t come today, you might just want to save the gas money. I really do think you should visit, though!</p>
<p>I guess if you might back out on your ED agreement, then you might want to visit with the realization that the campus will be slightly more dead than usual given the circumstances. I still say you should go ahead with your ED agreement and just visit in early January, though. You liked Rice well enough to apply ED in the first place, I’m sure a visit during a normal weekend will confirm your decision. :)</p>
<p>“I’m fairly confident that admissions committees or whoever decides this”</p>
<p>You and your family decide if the ED aid offered is sufficient, not the school.</p>
<p>But the issue is that, the aid IS sufficient…for this year. My issue financially, will be for the following three years. I contacted Rice and let them know that, and they said that only the upcoming year’s financial status was grounds for breaking the ED contract, but said that after admission I could bring it up with admissions counselors.</p>
<p>Rice meets full need, and their offer was sufficient for the first year, so why do you think they won’t meet your need in later years? Need is normally reevaluated every year.</p>