<p>How important is it to visit college campuses before applying? Is it even necessary? Although I would love to visit the schools I wish to apply to, it's way too expensive. Will I be at a disadvantage? Thanks.</p>
<p>It’s kind of hard to go to a college if you don’t know the surrounding area/campus. you might end up hating it. if you can’t afford it, apply, and then visit the schools you got accepted and really consider while also applying to some schools youhave visited that you like</p>
<p>^</p>
<p>Agree, if you have a decent amount of schools you plan to apply to… do so and then visit, unless you’ll be making visits school related, or financial issues are low.</p>
<p>Definitely visit before applying if you can…you might decide that you hate it and don’t want to apply. That happened to me.</p>
<p>If you can’t visit before you apply, just wait til you get your decisions, then visit the schools you get admitted to/waitlisted at.</p>
<p>Collegiatechoice.com offers DVDs of campus tours at many colleges and universities. These are not fancy, but can give you some good insight into a college when you can’t visit.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the help…I think I’ll probably just apply as some said, and then tour the ones that I actually get accepted to. I’ll also definitely look into virtual tours. Thanks again! =D</p>
<p>A lot of colleges consider “level of interest” in their admissions process, and campus visits are a great way to show interest from the colleges standpoint. . If possible, you would want to try to visit at least the ones that you are sure you would attend if admitted. If you can’t visit, make sure you find out your admissions counselors travel schedule in your area and try to make a point to meet them in your territory. Good luck</p>
<p>Other than state schools and the very top schools, many colleges will want to know why you have chosen them not just why they should choose you. Visits can matter as you answer that question.</p>
<p>I agree with the above posts. Visiting can give a prospective student a “feel” of the campus. You can’t actually tell what a college will be like from pictures of it online or from mailings that they send out. You can also see the kinds of students that are there, get a feel for what they do in their spare time, sample dining choices, see if you feel safe in the area, look at the condition and upkeep of the grounds and buildings, etc… I highly reccommend visiting scools!</p>