<p>how much do campus visits really count? i just don't have the time right now to go across the country to MA.</p>
<p>Do they count for "demonstrating interest"? Possibly, but less of a factor if you're across the country.</p>
<p>Are they invaluable for <em>you</em> to split out your opinions about colleges that may appear very similar on paper but have significant differences in subjective experience that will vary with the individual student? Yes.</p>
<p>Considering the $160K+ price tag for four years of private college, taking a few days and a little money to evaluate your potential choices up close and personal is a small thing. Some people say not to bother visiting until you're accepted; I say that your visits may radically change where you choose to apply.</p>
<p>Would visiting in Feb be too late? Thanks</p>
<p>February should be fine. If you apply Early Evaluation, you may already get a "likely" letter by the middle/end of the month.</p>
<p>I dunno if visiting the college will necesarily help you get in, but since you're thinking about spending four years of your life there, if you've got the resources to do it I say for sure, visit.</p>
<p>I applied ED to Wellesley and entirely because of my visit there. I couldn't really explain what it was exactly about the school that I loved (can now, though) but at the time it was just "the atmosphere, the vibe" that I loved. And still do. But on the whole, there will be schools that look good on paper that will be terrible in person and vice versa, so it's worth a see for yourself if you can.</p>
<p>the visit to wellesley totally changed my perception of the school. it was definitely an invaluable experience. definitely visit if you can. i wanted to apply ED because of my visit, but for various family reasons i couldn't...</p>