<p>I’d like to get my college visits out of the way over the summer, but for some schools it just doesn’t work. So is it worth it to visit Brown over the summer? Will I get a feel for the students and the campus life? Or should I try to squeeze it in during the school year?</p>
<p>It will be hard to get a sense of any college’s students over the summer. Many people currently on campus are high school students taking courses through Summer @ Brown. These are not necessarily the same type of students who attend Brown. As far as the campus…there might be a different atmosphere around it, but the physical campus will be roughly the same (exception - more construction happens during the summer than during the school year). There are tour guides there for the summer, and faculty are generally around. A school year visit to any college is probably ideal, especially if you want a sense of the student body. If you just want a sense of the physical campus and an info session, the summer is sufficient.</p>
<p>Okay, I’ll keep thinking about it. A visit when classes are in session definitely gives you more information. Thanks for your help.</p>
<p>We visited Brown last summer (only time we could fit it in) and although you don’t see many students, other than your tour guides, it still gives you a very good sense of life at Brown. The campus is gorgeous and the historic surrounding area is something to see first hand. They do not take your name during info. session/tour like many schools, so keep in mind that the only way they know you visited is when the subject comes up during your alumni admission interview. But still, I think visiting is really important for anyone applying to the ivy’s/reach schools. I say go during summer if that’s really the best time for you to go. Of course when the college is in session is ideal to visit, but families can’t always work it out.</p>
<p>A visit during the summer is better than no visit at all, but during the school year is definitely best. My high school made us visit 5 colleges before we could apply early so I didn’t decide which school to do early apps for until mid October. It’s very doable during the school year.</p>