<p>As others have mentioned, the Common Data Set is the place to go for this information. If student interest is “considered” or “important” or something like that, then a visit is a very good way to show interest and could make a difference. Many of the most selective schools do NOT consider student interest at in. In that case, it will not make a difference. They say so in the Common Data Set, which is available on almost every college website if you search for it. People can guess and tell stories about their experience, but I personally take the schools at their word.</p>