<p>I am from Massachusetts, and my family is struggling financially, so it does not look like I will be able to visit before applying. However, I have been through the website, taken the virtual tours, and read up on academics and traditions, and I like what I see. What am I missing in not visiting?</p>
<p>I don’t think you’re missing much by not visiting. Yes, as a prospective student you can take tours and attend information sessions, but it’s hard to get a true sense of what a university is like when you’re touring. Especially since most of the tours are during the summer, when school isn’t in session.
Specifically to the U of C, it was my first choice by far, and I had never made a formal visit to campus before I was accepted (Or after, now that I think about it!). If you’re already excited about Chicago, I don’t think a visit is super important. I found visiting campuses most helpful if I wasn’t really sure about the school, and I wanted to see if there was any sort of “connection.”
If you do apply and are accepted, Chicago has Admitted Student Overnights in April, and I’m pretty sure they have options for financing the visit.</p>