Worth special trip for 45-minute department presentation?

<p>Having some scheduling issues with college visits. Is it worth going out of our way (ie., an entirely separate 5-hour trip) for the short "Academic visit day" with son's potential department? </p>

<p>Otherwise we can visit much more easily on another day when we are already going to be in the area, without the extra piece (actually the choice on that day is "First year experience"). Anyone been to one of these?</p>

<p>We went to several of these sessions one summer when my son was in high school because we don’t live too far away. They were very interesting and useful. </p>

<p>I think the most useful visiting options are the Open House days. You can attend presentations by many academic departments as well as ones on the freshman experience, Global Studies, financial aid etc. There were lots of options to choose from. This year these are on:
For sophomores or juniors in high school:<br>
October 4, 2014</p>

<p>For seniors in high school:
October 13, 2014
November 11, 2014</p>

<p>Another advantage to these is that school is in session, so you get a better sense of the campus vibe. There are very few college students on campus in the summer.</p>

<p>You need to do what works best for your schedule though. </p>

<p>Thanks very much. We are going next month for a regular session and tour…just could not make it work in our schedules for the special day. Summer is not ideal of course but it’s when we have time…did the same with my daughter and it was fine. I feel like you can get a decent feel for your potential classmates looking around at the type of kids in the information session as well. </p>