Quick Question: I am waitlisted at Cornell at present. Although I have already communicated with current students and alumni, I couldn't make the trip to Cornell without a visa before. I received my visitor visa to the U.S. last week. Do you think it is still a good idea for me to visit campus? Will it add my probability of admission?


Admissionado Answer: Yes, if you can still visit before classes end for the summer it’s always a good idea! The adcom won’t penalize applicants for being unable to visit since they know not everyone has the time or money to do so, but at the same time, if you do visit it will give you great material for a short waitlist essay that you can send reiterating your interest in the program.

See if you can speak to current students and sit in on classes while you are there. If you can speak to the admissions committee as well that would be awesome. In your conversations with students and during the class visits you want to ideally gain some specifics you can reference in an essay. For example, maybe you will learn about a club, conference or class that’s the perfect preparation for your post-grad career goals. If you can mention 1-2 conversations you had & what you learned that further convinced you that Cornell is the best place to prep you for your goals, you can mention that in a brief essay that you can send to the adcom – and that can definitely help your chances of getting in.

Good luck to you!