Visiting Schools Before Acceptance

[AcidRainLiTE]

I just finished up applying to physics PhD programs for fall 2013. I was trying to think whether there was anything else I could do to increase my chances of admission. Would visiting the schools prior to acceptance increase my chances of getting in, or would it be perceived as annoying?

I could see it from both sides. A visit shows I am dedicated enough to take the time to come out to the school. But I'm sure the faculty have a ton of applications they need to review right now and may prefer to just review the application instead of taking time to meet with a visiting student one-on-one.

What are your thoughts?

 

[Travis_King]

If you email or call them and ask if you could come in and discuss with them the facilities, the ongoing research opportunities, and stuff like that, and they agree, I don't see the harm.

I'm not sure how wise it would be to just show up and ask to see someone.

 

[Aero51]

Visiting the school is essential to choosing a program. Its is very unwise not to schedule one.