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Detroiter
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Does Darden Value Campus Visits? 01 Jul 2011, 11:50
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Does anyone know if Darden places any value on having visited campus prior to applying?
I know that the visit has intrinsic value, since it would provide me with a better understanding of the program when I do apply.
However, I thought it would be worth asking before I blow several hundred dollars on a one day visit.

On a side note, is anyone else planning to attend any of the Friday visitation days in July?

Thanks!
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bakfed
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Does Darden Value Campus Visits? 02 Jul 2011, 08:37
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As much as schools like to say that school visits aren't considered when evaluating applications, I'd like to think otherwise. Too many schools have asked whether you've visited the campus and/or attend any of the info-session at school or around the world. If it truly doesn't matter, I really don't see the point of asking this question. With that said, I think it does carry some value, but not enough get you an automatic acceptance. If you were in the middle of the road type of applicant, and that comes to decision time the adcoms aren't able to solidify an acceptance or a rejection for you, this visit may push you over if everything else is good.
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Does Darden Value Campus Visits? 02 Jul 2011, 08:38
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And given the fact that Darden is such a tight-knit community, visiting campus should help a little bit. But to err on the safe side, only visit if you truly are interested in applying and that you feel you will benefit from it. What I mean by that is - don't simply visit because you want to look better on the application.
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Does Darden Value Campus Visits? 02 Jul 2011, 16:07
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I think it also helps when interview time comes. Not only did I feel I had better information about the school but I also could use the visit to put things into context when I say I am a good fit or how XYZ student/club was very welcoming during my visit. Generally everyone you will meet during the admissions process is stoked on the school, especially one like Darden, so the more excited and immersed you can appear the better.

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Does Darden Value Campus Visits? 03 Jul 2011, 13:28
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Thanks for the insight. I have made my travel arrangements and am very excited for Friday!
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bakfed
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Does Darden Value Campus Visits? 03 Jul 2011, 17:04
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Thanks for the insight. I have made my travel arrangements and am very excited for Friday!
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Good luck and have fun!! Darden's a beautiful campus.
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Izvos
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Does Darden Value Campus Visits? 04 Jul 2011, 04:08
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Detroiter
Does anyone know if Darden places any value on having visited campus prior to applying?
I know that the visit has intrinsic value, since it would provide me with a better understanding of the program when I do apply.
However, I thought it would be worth asking before I blow several hundred dollars on a one day visit.

On a side note, is anyone else planning to attend any of the Friday visitation days in July?

Thanks!
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It is not a blow for sure. This will give you better understanding of school spirit, which will influence your application.
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JudithHodara
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Does Darden Value Campus Visits? 04 Jul 2011, 09:39
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Thanks so much for the question. I think that visiting can help with two things; one is to let the school know that you have enough of an interest to come and find out more. The other is to allow you to really get to know the place so that your application is infused with a great sense of belonging- which after all, is part of the game ! In my years in admissions, I can tell you that we never held it against an applicant if they could not visit; but we also thought that if they lived in bordering states ( or on the Eastern Seaboard for that matter) it was a great idea to show up.

One thing I would suggest is to do your homework beforehand so that you know just what you may want to learn more about, and whom you may want to interact with. You want to make it clear in any interaction with students on campus, admissions professionals, or professors- that your interest is clearly well thought out, and that you are seeking relevant information about certain topics.

You may also find that on a visit day such as the one you mention at Darden, you are introduced to people and resources who can be really helpful during your application process- so you never know what kinds of extra relationships you may be able to build during your visit.

Imagine if you were showing someone around your workplace and they had done NO homework about what you do, or how your company works- as a result they asked really boring, or simple questions. You may get a little frustrated and feel like they did not really have a true interest in what you did every day. Same principle holds with a school visit.

And one more thing: TURN OFF YOUR BLACKBERRY OR SMARTPHONE during the admissions presentation!