Wait to visit before writing essays?

Question

I'm applying to all the schools I choose for round 2. There are a couple of schools where I know the visit will determine if I apply or not. I was wondering, for the schools I'm positive I'm applying to, should I just go ahead and start the essays or should I wait until I have visited them? Will the visit be that much more helpful? I'd prefer to get as much of the application out the way as possible so I can enjoy my holidays.

nink · Answer

You can go ahead and write the essays now, and after you make your visits you can always revise them to reflect the experience.

If you are worried about wasting time in case you end up hating the school (and chooses not to apply to the school later on), you will benefit from extra "practice" and your other essays will benefit from this "practice".

Time is precious. You have nothing to lose to start your essays now. :-D

Better safe than sorry.

Better safe than sorry.

Steel · Answer

Totally agree with Nink - 'nough said

milias · Answer

Personally, I have found that visiting the school helps a  lot  in writing the essays. By visiting, you learn what the school is looking for in a candidate, and you can better speak to what makes you an ideal candidate. You also get to see what the school is like and whether it would be a good fit for you. As to whether it's  necessary  to visit the school before writing, no, it's not necessary, but it's definitely a good idea. Hope this helps!

terp26 · Answer

If you can meet current students at events in your city or are able to speak to students/alumni then a visit probably is not necesarry.

pm4553 · Answer

Well, they'll only advertise their school, so how would you be able to understand the "not so good" aspects about the school? the fit, the professors, culture etc.

But, talking to alumni/students is better than doing nothing - if a school visit is not on your cards.

2012dreams · Answer

thanks for the responses. i'll definitely be visiting schools, i'm big on fit so i want to experience the culture firsthand.

looks like i'll be diving into the career goal essays pretty soon at least...here goes!

highhopes · Answer

I'd agree with everyone else. There's no reason to wait - most of the essays are about you. I had rough ideas for each essay and when visiting schools I'd sometimes hear something and think that would work great in my essay X and jot it down to include, so it might even be helpful.

Jerz · Answer

Most students I talked to during my research were actually pretty candid about the not so good aspects about the school. Sure you meet the occasional cheerleader who denies there is anything not awesome about their school. But I think most students will give you straight answers and not just the school's marketing spin.

Sleepy · Answer

Students are also self selecting though. Most people will tell you how it really is because the absolute worst thing for school rep is to have someone go there, have a bad experience and then trash the school later. But, even if the students won't give you the marketing spin, they might view things that would annoy you as a positive aspect of the school. things like size, limits on interviews, class selection methods. All that stuff can really go both ways, so be careful that you're also getting the facts in addition to whatever editorial comments the students might have.

Wait to visit before writing essays?

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