<p>When schools say that they're non interest based, is that 100% true? Or do they still secretly take visits and such into consideration during admissions? Would it be to my advantage to visit colleges before applying if they're non interest based? I know which schools I'm going to apply to regardless, so would it make more sense to visit after I find out where I'm accepted? And if anyone could tell me which of these schools (HYPS, Penn, Columbia, UVA, Georgetown, Chicago) are interest based and which of these are non interest based, that would be wonderful.</p>
<p>I’d be interested in the answer to this question as well.</p>
<p>I heard a rumor at the end of the last admissions cycle that some colleges have begun to change their outlook on demonstrated interest and have begun to give it more credence than in the past. Formerly the public statement was it was a negligible factor although some colleges said this but still used it. I believe there was an article on some colleges being more forthright about if they care about visits and it was referring to HYPSM. Look for this article if you can, I will try to find it…</p>
<p>Thanks. I’m guessing that you’re going to H? Congrats.</p>
<p>Soph at M but thanks :P</p>
<p>Ah, forgot about M, lol. Congrats anyways for surviving freshman year there. I’d love to have pass/fail.</p>
<p>How would we know what colleges secretly do? The only people on here who could answer that would be people who work in an admissions office, and doing so would defeat the purpose of it being secret.</p>
<p>Just looking for speculations, not expecting big secrets or anything…</p>
<p>Generally, if a school is interest-based, the only true way to show interest is by applying ED. Campus visits are probably slightly taken into account, however, particularly at EA/no early application schools.</p>
<p>^^ For interest based EA/no early, right?</p>
<p>Let me get this straight: you are only considering visiting colleges because you think that it will help you with the “demonstrated interest” category? I am pretty sure that for top colleges, if you apply to it, you are showing enough interest…as you know, some people can’t afford to travel right now or do not have the time to do these college visits. If you want to visit a college, do it more than because you think it will help you with your app.</p>
<p>Well…no. I’m considering visiting colleges before applying…I’d visit after receiving acceptances regardless. I’m just trying to decide whether it’s worth it visiting twice.</p>
<p>Is it worth it to visit colleges to show interest? No.</p>
<p>Is it worth it to visit colleges to see if you like them? Yes. </p>
<p>Have you been to all the schools you listed previously? All but two are in the East, and they’re all very different. Some are in cities, some aren’t. They all have different campuses and are in different areas. If you haven’t visited, how do you know you’ll like them? What if you’re accepted to two of those schools, and end up hating both?</p>
<p>I would visit before applying. </p>
<p>Also, I am assuming you have safeties/matches, too.</p>
<p>personally im not doing much visiting until after im accepted places. then i will visit to see if it is for me. at the same time, im sort of limited by my parents/finances and can’t go very far from home unless they give me good money. for example, im not visiting USC, but if they end up matching some in-state prices with scholarships and such, i will definitely spend the money to go visit.</p>
<p>if a college wants to reject me for the sole reason that i didn’t visit before applying (and thereby seem uninterested), then screw 'em anyway.</p>
<p>Yes, I have safeties/matches (UVA and Georgetown, kind of, included). And I’ve visited three already because they’re relatively close.</p>
<p>Are you in-state at UVA? Otherwise, it’s not a safety. Georgetown is at best a high match.</p>
<p>If you are limited by finances, then don’t feel obligated to visit. At the schools you listed, interest will not play a big part. And you can also show interest in much cheaper ways, like email (just not too much). Later visits will probably be more effective in your decision.</p>
<p>Eh, those are my matches, not safety. And you’re right, Georgetown’s a bit of a high match.</p>
<p>By email, you mean emailing individual departments/professors or the office of admissions?</p>
<p>^^ So the schools aren’t interest based? I thought so, but I couldn’t find it on their websites.</p>