Should I Visit? Forum

[Intrigue]

Was put on Duke's "Priority" waitlist. They sent me an email recently suggesting that I could send in a letter of interest/transcripts/etc. They also mentioned that I could visit the campus and meet with admissions staff.

The way I read it, not traveling to visit would virtually guarantee that I stay on the waitlist. Am I correct in thinking that way?

[eyfl]

I guess depends on the actual wording but I'm reading this as them being polite and hospitable rather than requiring a visit in order for you to get off the WL. Although I'm not intimately familiar with Duke's admission procedures.

[Intrigue]

Here is the relevant section:

Although we are unable to offer interviews as part of our general admission process, we have found that in-person meetings can be very helpful in helping us reach a final decision on an application. To that end, if you are able to visit campus in the coming weeks, we would like to invite you to participate in an interview with Bill Hoye, Associate Dean of Admissions and Student Affairs, to discuss your application and to answer your questions about Duke Law. This is entirely optional, but we wanted to extend the offer in case you are able to take advantage of it.

If you would like to arrange an interview, please contact the admissions office (919-613-7020 or admissions@law.duke.edu) once you have a date in mind. While you are here, you will also be able to take a student-led tour of the law school and sit in on a class. There may also be other speakers or programs that would be of interest (http://law.duke.edu/events/).

[eyfl]

This does seem to go beyond being polite, looks like they would actually like to meet you. But I still don't think this is the absolute requirement to get off the WL. If you're unable to go I'd recommend to send a friendly email / call proposing a phone / web interview instead?

[Nova]

IMO, If you can go, you should go.

[Intrigue]

This does seem to go beyond being polite, looks like they would actually like to meet you. But I still don't think this is the absolute requirement to get off the WL. If you're unable to go I'd recommend to send a friendly email / call proposing a phone / web interview instead?

That's how I read it as well. I'm within a six hour drive, so I figure it might be worth dropping in. I would like to go to Duke if accepted too.

[bluepenguin]

I live a lot farther away and got the same offer. I don't think they're nudging you because you're so close. That said, doooo it.

[dingbat]

one way to look at it is, if you don't visit, you stay on the waitlist. If you visit and they like you, you get to the front of the waitlist (then again, if they dislike you....)

[az21833]

if you want to go to duke, go. if you dont, dont. i think its that simple given that language. never want to regret

[Intrigue]

Appreciate the input.

[Intrigue]

This may be somewhat obvious to some of you, but what sort of attire should I wear for this kind of an interview?

[dingbat]

This may be somewhat obvious to some of you, but what sort of attire should I wear for this kind of an interview?

Not a suit and not shorts & flipflops.
Basically, be presentable, but no need to go over the top

[Intrigue]

This may be somewhat obvious to some of you, but what sort of attire should I wear for this kind of an interview?

Not a suit and not shorts & flipflops.
Basically, be presentable, but no need to go over the top

Thanks. Shirt & tie too formal you think?

[dingbat]

This may be somewhat obvious to some of you, but what sort of attire should I wear for this kind of an interview?

Not a suit and not shorts & flipflops.
Basically, be presentable, but no need to go over the top

Thanks. Shirt & tie too formal you think?

I'd skip the tie, but business casual is absolutely a good idea

[Br3v]

IMO, If you can go, you should go.

Yes, but not going doesnt guarantee a ding. Think of it as if there are 3 wait listers per spot, and 1 of the 3 visit, isn't it easier to select the person who went all else being equal?

[dingbat]

IMO, If you can go, you should go.

Yes, but not going doesnt guarantee a ding. Think of it as if there are 3 wait listers per spot, and 1 of the 3 visit, isn't it easier to select the person who went all else being equal?

I think that's the general consensus

[Br3v]

IMO, If you can go, you should go.

Yes, but not going doesnt guarantee a ding. Think of it as if there are 3 wait listers per spot, and 1 of the 3 visit, isn't it easier to select the person who went all else being equal?

I think that's the general consensus

Yeah I worded it oddly, but I was agreeing with Nova and intended the question at the end to be a rheyorical question directed at OP.

[Intrigue]

Thanks once again for the advice.