Open House visit vs. individual visit?

[Jhai]

Hey guys -

I just got accepted to a program (Georgetown), but I'm not sure if I can attend their Open House (seeing as I was planning on being in California at the time). However, I would be able to visit at another time without a problem...

My question is, how much added value is there to attending a program's official "Open House," compared to visiting on any 'ol day?

[econ2007]

I think this is a breadth/depth issue. Meaning that you will get a much clearer overall picture of the department on an open-house visit. But you may not get much one-on-one time with any professor. With an individual visit, assuming you catch a professor you'd like to speak with, they will most likely spend some serious time with you, but the selection of people to speak with could be limited. My .

[bauble]

One-on-one time depends on how many people are showing up (which tends to be high for large class sizes).

Another advantage to the open house is a chance to talk to the other admits.