<p>intparent - I agree with your point about looking at the Common Data Set, but I take issue with your statement “it will not make a difference.” You have no idea, personally, whether it will make a positive difference or not. </p>
<p>As mathmom points out, it was easier for her younger son to write his essays about the schools he visited. Did stronger essays, written with confidence, help his overall ‘package’? Who knows. But it probably didn’t hurt anything. </p>
<p>At one school we visited with Step-D, her admissions counselor made contact with her and they began an ‘email contact’ that continues. She even received an email ‘likely letter’ from the school (via this counselor) and this school is not known for sending out ‘likely’ emails or letters. We were quite surprised. </p>
<p>My advice - if you have the funds and the interest, and the school is not in the ‘lottery’ category - it can’t hurt, and just might help.</p>