Is it worth the trip?

[were_so_close]

One of the schools that accepted me has invited me to take a campus tour and visit the department before making my decision.  They are not paying for anything.  With airfare and accomodations, it will probably cost me close to $450 for this trip.   What kind of things typically happen at a departmental visit? From your experience, is it worth

Comments

[kort_ni]

It was worth it for me to be able to talk with other students in the program, meet my potential advisor face to face, see the city which I would be committing to for 5+ years, etc. I couldn't have totally made the decision without the visit (and I paid for the visit at the school I ended up attending but didn't pay for others)

I think it gives you the opportunity to make sure that you fit in and that it's an environment you can work and live in. If you're the kind of person who can jump in with both feet sight unseen then it might not be worth the money/time off.

[xenia]

I have visited all five schools I was accepted at (even from Russia!). It helped me a lot to reach my decision. I talked to faculty and students, asked a lot of questions. I met all the famous professors in my field. It was great! Although, they paid for my visits and provided accommodations.

I think, if you can afford it, it worth spending money.

[lostreality]

well it depends:

1) Are you unsure about whether or not you will go to this program? If not, it's a good idea
2) are you 100% sure you will go to this program? If yes, it's a waste of money
3) Are you 100% sure you won't go to this program? If yes, it's a waste of money.

[cheez_ball]

It's worth it just to see the campus and surrounding town, and talk face-to-face with the faculty. Also, the other grad students are more likely to be honest in person and "off the record."

Typically the department you're visiting will set up a visit schedule/agenda. You'll meet with several different administrators who will give you a welcome talk of some sort, and maybe breakfast. Then you'll meet and talk with a bunch of different faculty. Usually lunch and dinner are with grad students that are already in the program, and sometimes with a prospective faculty mentor.

[tisiphone]

At what position is this school on your list? How attractive is a weekend at the location? If you miss an impromptu interview and don't get in, are you going to be heartbroken? If you make the trip does it mean you're not going to eat for a week?